How to Craft Your Essay for the Eva T. Hardy Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

Organize your thoughts into four material buckets: background, achievements, the gap, and personality.

• Background: Reflect on your personal history and experiences that have shaped who you are. Think about significant moments that influenced your educational and career path.
• Achievements: List your accomplishments, focusing on quantifiable metrics and responsibilities. Highlight leadership roles, community involvement, and any relevant projects.
• The Gap: Identify areas where you seek growth. Explain why further study is essential for your goals and how this scholarship will help bridge that gap.
• Personality: Infuse your essay with humanizing details. Share values, interests, and unique traits that differentiate you from other candidates.

Creating an Outline

Draft a structured outline based on your brainstorming. Each section should focus on one main idea, ensuring a logical flow of information. Start with a compelling opening that draws the reader in, followed by your background, achievements, the gap, and personality insights. Conclude with a strong closing that reinforces your commitment to making an impact.

Drafting Voice and Style

Use an active voice throughout your essay. Begin with a concrete moment or scene that illustrates your journey or a pivotal experience. Avoid generic statements and clichés; instead, focus on specific experiences that showcase your growth and aspirations. Remember to answer the “So what?” question in every section, reflecting on what you learned and how it matters.

Revision and “So What?”

After drafting, take a step back and review your essay critically. Ensure that each paragraph serves a purpose and contributes to your overall narrative. Look for opportunities to enhance clarity and specificity. Ask yourself if your essay effectively communicates your motivations and future aspirations.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of several common pitfalls:

• Avoid starting with clichés or overly broad statements.
• Steer clear of vague expressions of passion without concrete examples.
• Do not use passive voice; ensure your writing reflects your active role in your experiences.
• Refrain from including invented facts or embellishments about your background or achievements.