East St Louis Area Enrichment Herstory Scholarship Essay Guide

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

Gather material by reflecting on four key areas:

• Background: Identify experiences that have shaped your identity and educational journey. Consider family influences, community involvement, and pivotal moments that have impacted your path.
• Achievements: List your accomplishments, focusing on quantifiable outcomes. Highlight leadership roles, projects, or initiatives where you made a significant impact.
• The Gap: Reflect on what you currently lack in your educational journey and how this scholarship can bridge that gap. Be specific about your goals and how further study will help you achieve them.
• Personality: Infuse your essay with personal details that illustrate your values and motivations. This could include anecdotes that reveal your character and commitment to your community.

Creating an Outline

Organize your thoughts into a cohesive structure. A suggested outline might include:

1. Introduction: Start with a compelling scene or moment that encapsulates your journey.
2. Background: Discuss your formative experiences and how they led you to pursue further education.
3. Achievements: Highlight key accomplishments that demonstrate your readiness for this scholarship.
4. The Gap: Clearly articulate your educational goals and how the scholarship will help you reach them.
5. Personality: Conclude with reflections on your journey and your commitment to making a positive impact.

Drafting Voice and Style

When writing your essay, use an active voice to convey your message clearly. Avoid clichés and generalizations; instead, focus on specific details that illustrate your experiences. Ensure that each paragraph centers on a single idea and transitions logically to the next.

Revision and “So What?”

After drafting, take a step back and revise with a critical eye. Ask yourself: What insights have I shared? Why do they matter? Make sure each section answers the “So what?” question, demonstrating how your experiences and aspirations align with the scholarship’s mission.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Avoid these common mistakes:

• Starting with vague statements or clichés.
• Using passive voice or overly complex language.
• Failing to connect your experiences to your future goals.
• Neglecting to proofread for clarity and grammatical accuracy.