How to Craft Your Essay for the Earl and Barbara Bolton Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

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

• Background: Reflect on the experiences that have shaped your educational journey. Consider family influences, community involvement, or significant moments that sparked your interest in education.
• Achievements: Identify specific accomplishments that demonstrate your dedication and impact. Quantify your results where possible, such as improvements in academic performance, leadership roles, or community service metrics.
• The Gap: Acknowledge what you currently lack in your education and how this scholarship can help bridge that gap. Be specific about your educational goals and how they relate to your career aspirations.
• Personality: Infuse your essay with personal details that reflect your values and motivations. Share anecdotes that illustrate your character and commitment to making a difference in education.

Outline Your Essay

Organize your thoughts into a clear outline. A typical structure might include:

1. Introduction: Start with a compelling moment or scene that draws the reader in.
2. Body Paragraphs: Dedicate each paragraph to one of the four material buckets, ensuring that each section flows logically to the next.
3. Conclusion: Reflect on what you have learned and how you plan to use this scholarship to further your impact in education.

Drafting Voice and Style

As you draft your essay, maintain an active voice and focus on clarity. Avoid clichés and vague statements. Instead of saying you are passionate about education, illustrate that passion through specific examples and experiences. Remember to answer the “So what?” question—why does your story matter?

Revision and “So What?”

After drafting, take a break before revising. This distance will help you view your work with fresh eyes. Look for areas where you can enhance clarity and impact. Ensure that each paragraph contributes to your overall narrative and that your conclusion ties back to your introduction, reinforcing your commitment to education.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of the following mistakes:

• Avoid starting with generic statements or clichés.
• Do not include fabricated details or exaggerate your achievements.
• Steer clear of passive voice; always highlight your role in your experiences.
• Ensure that your essay is cohesive and logically structured, with clear transitions between paragraphs.