How to Write Your Essay for the Dakota Solomon Memorial Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

Organize your thoughts into four material buckets: background, achievements, the gap, and personality.

• Background: Reflect on your personal history, including significant experiences that shaped your educational journey. Consider family influences, community involvement, or challenges faced.
• Achievements: List your accomplishments, particularly those related to education and community engagement. Quantify these where possible—such as leadership roles, projects undertaken, or awards received.
• The Gap: Identify areas where you seek growth. Explain how the scholarship will help you address these gaps in your education or skills, emphasizing your commitment to personal and academic development.
• Personality: Infuse your narrative with personal anecdotes that reveal your values and character. Highlight what makes you unique and how these traits will contribute to your future goals.

Outline Your Essay Structure

Start with a clear outline that organizes your ideas logically. Each section should focus on one main idea:

1. Introduction: Begin with an engaging scene or moment that draws the reader in. Avoid generic statements and instead, present a specific experience that reflects your journey.
2. Body Paragraphs: Dedicate each paragraph to one of the four buckets. Use the STAR method to detail specific situations, tasks, actions, and results related to your achievements and experiences.
3. Conclusion: Reflect on how your experiences have prepared you for future challenges. Emphasize your commitment to making a positive impact in your community or field of study.

Drafting Voice and Style

When drafting your essay, maintain an active voice and clear, concise language. Avoid filler phrases and clichés that dilute your message. Focus on specific examples that illustrate your points. Each paragraph should transition smoothly to the next, guiding the reader through your narrative.

Revision and the “So What?” Factor

After drafting, take a step back and review your essay with fresh eyes. Ask yourself, “So what?” for each major point. Ensure that you are not just stating facts but reflecting on their significance. This reflection will deepen your narrative and make it more impactful. Seek feedback from peers or mentors to gain different perspectives.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of these common pitfalls:

• Clichés: Avoid overused phrases and generic statements that fail to convey your unique story.
• Vagueness: Ensure that your essay is specific and detailed. General statements about passion or ambition without examples lack impact.
• Passive Voice: Use active voice to create a sense of agency in your writing. This will make your achievements and experiences feel more dynamic.