How to Write Your Essay for the Crooked Stick Endowed Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

To create a compelling narrative, gather material from the four key buckets:

• Background: Consider your upbringing, experiences, and influences that have shaped your educational journey. What unique perspectives do you bring?
• Achievements: Identify significant accomplishments in your academic or extracurricular life. Use specific metrics or outcomes to demonstrate your impact.
• The Gap: Reflect on what you currently lack and how this scholarship will help bridge that gap. Be honest about your aspirations and how further education will enable you to achieve them.
• Personality: Infuse your essay with personal details that reveal your values and character. Share anecdotes that highlight your resilience, commitment, or passion.

Creating an Outline

Develop a structured outline to ensure your essay flows logically. Start with an engaging introduction that sets the scene. Follow with sections dedicated to each of the four buckets, ensuring each paragraph contains a single, clear idea. Conclude with a strong closing that reiterates your commitment to your goals and the scholarship's impact on your future.

Drafting Voice and Style

When drafting, use an active voice and specific language. Open with a concrete moment or vivid scene that draws the reader in. Avoid clichés and abstract statements; instead, focus on tangible experiences and their significance. Throughout your essay, reflect on how these experiences have shaped your aspirations and why they matter to you.

Revision and the “So What?” Factor

After drafting, revisit your essay with a critical eye. Ask yourself, “So what?” for each section. Ensure that your reflections add depth and clarity. Look for opportunities to enhance specificity—include numbers, timelines, and detailed outcomes where applicable. This will help you stand out to the committee.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

While writing your essay, be mindful of common pitfalls:

• Avoid vague statements about passion or motivation without concrete examples.
• Steer clear of passive voice; always highlight your active role in your achievements.
• Refrain from using generic openers or clichés that fail to engage the reader.
• Do not invent facts or embellish experiences; authenticity is crucial.