How to Craft Your Essay for the Doris Benefield Harold Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

To create a well-rounded essay, gather material across four key areas:

• Background: Consider your personal history, including your upbringing, cultural influences, and pivotal moments that have shaped your academic and career aspirations.
• Achievements: List your accomplishments, focusing on metrics and outcomes. Think about leadership roles, projects, or initiatives where you had a significant impact.
• The Gap: Identify what you currently lack in your education or experience and explain how this scholarship will help bridge that gap. Be specific about your goals and how further study will facilitate your growth.
• Personality: Infuse your essay with personal anecdotes that showcase your values, character, and what makes you unique. This will help the committee connect with you on a human level.

Structuring Your Essay

Organize your thoughts into a coherent structure. A common approach is to use a narrative arc that highlights your journey:

1. Introduction: Start with a compelling moment or scene that draws the reader in. Avoid generic statements.
2. Body Paragraphs: Each paragraph should focus on one key idea, such as your background or a specific achievement. Use the STAR method to detail situations, tasks, actions, and results.
3. Conclusion: Reflect on how the scholarship will empower you to achieve your goals and contribute positively to your community.

Drafting Voice and Tone

As you draft, maintain an active voice and ensure clarity in your writing. Use specific examples and accountable details to illustrate your points. Avoid vague language and clichés; instead, let your genuine voice shine through. Each section should answer the question, “So what?” to emphasize the significance of your experiences and aspirations.

Revision and Reflection

After drafting your essay, take a break before revising. Look for opportunities to enhance clarity, coherence, and impact. Ask yourself how each paragraph contributes to your overall message. Seek feedback from trusted peers or mentors who can provide constructive criticism. Focus on refining your narrative to ensure it resonates with the committee.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of these common mistakes:

• Avoid starting with clichés or overly broad statements.
• Do not rely on vague expressions of passion without concrete examples.
• Steer clear of passive voice; always highlight your actions and responsibilities.
• Ensure all details are truthful and verifiable; do not embellish your experiences.