How to Write Your Essay for the ED Combest Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

To effectively structure your essay, gather material across four key areas:

• Background: Reflect on your upbringing, education, and any experiences that have shaped your goals. What challenges have you faced, and how have they influenced your path?
• Achievements: List your accomplishments, both academic and extracurricular. Include specific metrics, such as grades, awards, or leadership roles, to demonstrate your dedication and impact.
• The Gap: Identify what you currently lack that this scholarship would help you address. Consider educational resources, financial support, or skills that further study would enhance.
• Personality: Share personal anecdotes that reveal your values, interests, and motivations. This humanizes your application and helps the committee connect with you.

Creating an Outline

Once you have gathered your material, outline your essay. Consider starting with a compelling moment or anecdote that encapsulates your journey. Organize your outline to flow logically, ensuring each section transitions smoothly to the next. Aim for a structure that includes:

1. An engaging introduction that sets the scene.
2. A section on your background and experiences.
3. A discussion of your achievements and their significance.
4. A clear explanation of the gap and how the scholarship will help.
5. A conclusion that reflects on your commitment to making a positive impact.

Drafting Voice and Style

As you draft your essay, maintain an active voice. Use specific examples and details to illustrate your points. Avoid clichés and vague statements; instead, focus on concrete achievements and experiences. Each paragraph should center around one main idea, and use transitions to guide the reader through your narrative.

Reflection and “So What?”

Throughout your essay, reflect on your experiences and articulate why they matter. After each major section, ask yourself, “So what?” This reflection will help you convey the significance of your journey and how it aligns with the goals of the scholarship. Ensure that your conclusion ties back to your introduction and reinforces your commitment to your education and future contributions.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of these common pitfalls when writing your essay:

• Avoid starting with generic statements or clichés. Open with a specific moment that draws the reader in.
• Do not exaggerate or fabricate achievements. Authenticity is key.
• Steer clear of passive voice; ensure your writing is direct and engaging.
• Refrain from using overly complex language or jargon that may obscure your message.