How to Craft Your Essay for the Engelbart Memorial Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Material Buckets

Organize your thoughts by brainstorming across the four material buckets: background, achievements, gap, and personality.

• Background: Reflect on your life experiences that have shaped your educational journey. Consider family influences, community involvement, or personal challenges that have motivated you to pursue further education.
• Achievements: List significant accomplishments that demonstrate your skills and dedication. Include metrics, leadership roles, or projects that had a measurable impact.
• The Gap: Identify what you lack in your current education and how this scholarship will help you bridge that gap. Be specific about your academic and career aspirations.
• Personality: Share unique aspects of your character that make you a strong candidate. This could include your values, interests, or memorable experiences that highlight your resilience or commitment to your community.

Creating an Outline

Once you have gathered your material, create a structured outline. Start with an engaging introduction that draws the reader in with a specific moment or scene from your life. Follow this with sections that cover each of the four buckets, ensuring that each paragraph has a clear focus and contributes to the overall narrative.

Drafting Voice and Style

As you draft your essay, maintain an active voice and be specific in your language. Avoid clichés and vague statements. Instead of saying, “I have always wanted to help others,” describe a specific instance where you made a difference in someone's life. This not only illustrates your passion but also provides evidence of your commitment.

Revision & “So What?” Reflection

After drafting your essay, take a step back and review your work. Ask yourself, “So what?” after each major point. This will help you ensure that your essay reflects not only what you have done but also why it matters. Make sure each paragraph contributes to a coherent narrative that highlights your suitability for the scholarship.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of common mistakes that can weaken your essay. Avoid using passive voice, overly complex language, or bureaucratic phrasing. Stay away from generic statements that do not add value to your narrative. Remember to focus on authenticity—your unique experiences and insights are what will resonate with the committee.