How to Write Your Essay for the Dickman-Zwick Family Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

Organize your thoughts into four key areas:

• Background: Reflect on your personal journey. Consider what experiences have shaped your educational aspirations. Think about your family, community, or significant events that have influenced your path.
• Achievements: Identify your notable accomplishments. These could be academic, extracurricular, or community-based. Use specific metrics or outcomes to illustrate your impact, such as leadership roles, awards, or projects you spearheaded.
• The Gap: Acknowledge any gaps in your experience or education that this scholarship can help fill. Be honest about what you lack and articulate how receiving this scholarship will enable you to overcome these challenges.
• Personality: Humanize your essay with personal anecdotes. Share values or experiences that define who you are. This can include hobbies, volunteer work, or challenges you've overcome, showcasing your character.

Creating an Outline

Structure your essay logically. A typical outline might include:

1. Introduction: Start with a compelling moment or scene that draws the reader in. Avoid generic statements.
2. Background: Discuss your personal history and experiences.
3. Achievements: Highlight your key accomplishments and their significance.
4. The Gap: Explain what you need to advance your education and how the scholarship fits into that plan.
5. Personality: Share unique aspects of yourself that relate to your goals.
6. Conclusion: Reflect on your journey and express your commitment to making the most of the opportunity.

Drafting Voice and Style

Write in an active voice, focusing on your actions and contributions. Use specific details to illustrate your points, avoiding vague statements. Each paragraph should focus on a single idea, ensuring clarity and coherence. As you draft, remember to answer the “So what?” question—why does your story matter?

Revision and “So What?”

After completing your first draft, take a break before revising. Look for areas where you can enhance clarity and impact. Ensure each section contributes to a cohesive narrative that emphasizes your goals. Ask yourself what you learned from your experiences and how they will influence your future.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of the following mistakes:

• Avoid clichés and generic statements that do not add value to your essay.
• Steer clear of passive voice; always attribute actions to yourself.
• Do not fabricate experiences or achievements; authenticity is crucial.
• Ensure your essay is well-organized and flows logically from one section to the next.