How to Write Your Essay for the Juralewicz Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

To create a compelling narrative, gather material across four key areas:

• Background: Reflect on your upbringing, education, and experiences that have shaped who you are today. Consider significant moments that influenced your academic and personal development.
• Achievements: Identify key accomplishments in your academic career or extracurricular activities. Use metrics or specific examples to demonstrate your impact, such as leadership roles, projects, or community service.
• The Gap: Assess what you currently lack in your academic journey and how further study will bridge that gap. Be specific about your goals and how this scholarship will facilitate your educational pursuits.
• Personality: Infuse your essay with personal anecdotes that reveal your values and character. This will humanize your application and help the committee connect with you on a personal level.

Creating an Outline

Structure your essay to ensure clarity and coherence. A suggested outline might include:

1. Introduction: Start with a specific moment or scene that illustrates your journey. Avoid general statements and draw the reader in.
2. Background: Discuss your formative experiences and how they have shaped your aspirations.
3. Achievements: Highlight key accomplishments, using specific examples and metrics to demonstrate your impact.
4. The Gap: Explain what you hope to achieve through further study and how the scholarship supports that vision.
5. Conclusion: Reflect on your journey and express gratitude for the opportunity, reinforcing your commitment to making a difference.

Drafting Voice and Style

As you draft your essay, maintain an active voice and focus on specificity. Use concrete details and avoid vague expressions of passion. Every section should answer the question, “So what?” by reflecting on how your experiences have shaped your goals and the impact you aim to achieve.

Revision and “So What?”

After drafting, take a step back and review your essay critically. Ensure each paragraph serves a purpose and contributes to a coherent narrative. Ask yourself if you have adequately answered the “So what?” question in each section. Consider seeking feedback from peers or mentors to gain additional perspectives.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of the following mistakes:

• Avoid clichés and generic statements that do not add value to your narrative.
• Do not rely on vague expressions of enthusiasm without backing them up with concrete examples.
• Steer clear of passive voice; always highlight your actions and contributions.
• Ensure all facts and experiences are truthful and verifiable.