How to Write an Essay for the David L. Burns Memorial Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

To create a strong foundation for your essay, brainstorm material across four key areas:

• Background: Reflect on your personal history, including experiences that have shaped your educational and career aspirations. Consider significant moments that have influenced your path.
• Achievements: Identify key accomplishments in your academic and extracurricular activities. Use metrics and specific outcomes to illustrate your impact, such as leadership roles, awards, or community service.
• The Gap: Acknowledge any challenges or gaps in your experience that further education will help you address. Be honest about what you lack and how this scholarship will bridge that gap.
• Personality: Infuse your essay with personal details that showcase your values, interests, and unique qualities. This is your opportunity to humanize your application.

Creating an Outline

Organize your thoughts into a clear outline. Start with an engaging introduction that draws the reader in. Each section of your essay should focus on one of the four material buckets. Ensure that your outline flows logically, transitioning smoothly from one section to the next. A suggested structure could be:

1. Introduction
2. Background
3. Achievements
4. The Gap
5. Personality
6. Conclusion

Drafting Voice and Style

When drafting your essay, use an active voice and specific language. Avoid vague statements and clichés; instead, share concrete examples that illustrate your points. Start with a vivid scene or a moment that encapsulates your journey—this will engage the committee from the outset. Throughout your essay, reflect on what you have learned and how it has shaped your goals.

Revision and “So What?”

After completing your draft, take a break before revising. Look for areas where you can enhance clarity and impact. Each paragraph should answer the question, “So what?”—reflect on why your experiences and insights matter. Ensure that your conclusion ties back to your introduction and reinforces your commitment to making a difference in your field.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of common mistakes that can weaken your essay:

• Avoid starting with clichés or generic statements.
• Do not exaggerate or fabricate experiences; authenticity is key.
• Steer clear of passive voice and bureaucratic language.
• Ensure that every detail serves a purpose and contributes to your overall narrative.