How to Craft Your Essay for the COMTO Chicago Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

Organize your thoughts into four material buckets to structure your essay effectively:

• Background: Consider your personal history, cultural influences, and experiences that have shaped your interest in transportation. Think about specific moments that sparked your passion.
• Achievements: Highlight significant accomplishments related to your academic and extracurricular activities. Use metrics or specific examples to demonstrate your impact, such as leadership roles or projects you've undertaken.
• The Gap: Identify what you currently lack in terms of skills, knowledge, or experience that further education will help you bridge. Explain why this scholarship is essential for your academic journey.
• Personality: Infuse your essay with personal anecdotes and reflections that reveal your values, motivations, and unique perspective. This humanizing detail will help the committee connect with you on a personal level.

Outline Your Essay

Draft a clear outline to guide your writing. Start with a compelling introduction that draws the reader in with a specific moment or story. Follow with sections dedicated to each of the four buckets, ensuring each paragraph focuses on one main idea. Conclude with a strong closing that reiterates your commitment to making a difference in the transportation field.

Drafting Voice and Style

Use an active voice throughout your essay to convey confidence and clarity. Avoid vague statements and clichés; instead, focus on specific experiences and reflections. Each section should answer the question “So what?” by explaining the significance of your experiences and how they relate to your future goals.

Revision and “So What?”

After drafting your essay, take a break before revising. Look for areas where you can enhance clarity and impact. Ensure that each paragraph transitions smoothly to the next and reinforces your overall narrative. Ask yourself if every section answers the “So what?” question, demonstrating your potential for future leadership in the transportation sector.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of several common mistakes:

• Avoid starting with clichés or overly broad statements. Begin with a specific moment that illustrates your journey.
• Steer clear of passive voice; use active voice to engage the reader.
• Do not invent facts or embellish your achievements. Authenticity is crucial in scholarship essays.
• Ensure your essay is well-organized and free from grammatical errors. A polished essay reflects your attention to detail.