Crafting Your Essay for the Elizabeth J. Harrison Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

To create a holistic essay, gather material across four key areas:

• Background: Reflect on your personal history. What experiences have shaped your educational journey? Consider family influences, community involvement, or significant events that have motivated you to pursue higher education.
• Achievements: List your notable accomplishments. Include academic successes, leadership roles, community service, or any initiatives you've led. Quantify your achievements where possible—numbers and specific outcomes can lend credibility.
• The Gap: Identify what you lack in your current experience that further study will address. Be honest about your aspirations and how this scholarship will help bridge the gap between your current situation and your future goals.
• Personality: Think about what makes you unique. Include humanizing details that reflect your values, interests, and motivations. This will help the committee see you as a well-rounded individual.

Outlining Your Essay

Once you have gathered your material, create an outline. A solid structure will enhance the clarity of your essay:

1. Introduction: Start with a specific moment or anecdote that illustrates your journey. Avoid generic statements; instead, engage the reader with a vivid scene.
2. Body Paragraphs: Dedicate each paragraph to one of the four buckets. Use the STAR method to detail your achievements and experiences, focusing on the situation, task, action, and result.
3. Conclusion: Reflect on your journey and articulate your commitment to making an impact. Reiterate how the scholarship will help you achieve your goals.

Drafting Voice and Style

When drafting your essay, maintain an active voice and clear, concise language. Avoid jargon and overly complex sentences. Each paragraph should convey one main idea, with logical transitions leading the reader through your narrative. Ensure that your tone is confident but not boastful, reflecting a genuine desire to learn and grow.

Revision and “So What?”

After drafting, take a step back and review your essay. Ask yourself, “So what?” for each section. What insight or reflection does each paragraph provide? Ensure that you highlight personal growth and the significance of your experiences. This reflection will deepen the impact of your narrative.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

As you finalize your essay, be aware of common mistakes:

• Avoid clichés and generic statements. Instead, focus on specific experiences that showcase your individuality.
• Do not use passive voice when an active subject exists. This can dilute the strength of your narrative.
• Steer clear of vague expressions of passion without evidence. Instead, provide concrete examples that illustrate your commitment and drive.