How to Write a Compelling Essay for the Expanding Horizons Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

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

• Background: Reflect on your personal journey. What experiences have shaped your educational and career aspirations? Consider family influences, community involvement, or pivotal moments that sparked your interest in higher education.
• Achievements: List your accomplishments, both academic and extracurricular. Focus on those that demonstrate leadership, commitment, or impact. Be specific—include metrics or outcomes where possible, such as awards received, projects led, or community initiatives you participated in.
• The Gap: Identify what you currently lack that this scholarship will help you overcome. This could be financial barriers, access to resources, or specific educational opportunities. Explain how receiving this scholarship will bridge that gap and enable you to pursue your goals.
• Personality: Infuse your essay with personal details that showcase your values and character. What motivates you? What are your passions? Use anecdotes to illustrate your points and make your narrative relatable.

Outline Your Essay

Creating an outline will help structure your thoughts. Consider the following sections:

1. Introduction: Start with a compelling scene or moment that illustrates your journey or aspirations.
2. Body Paragraphs: Dedicate a paragraph to each of the four buckets. Ensure each paragraph has a clear focus and transitions smoothly to the next.
3. Conclusion: Reflect on how the scholarship aligns with your future plans. Reiterate the impact it will have on your education and career.

Drafting Voice and Style

Write in an active voice and maintain a confident yet humble tone. Avoid clichés and vague statements. Instead of saying you are passionate about a subject, demonstrate that passion through specific examples and experiences. Make sure each paragraph conveys a clear idea and contributes to the overall narrative.

Revision and the “So What?” Factor

After drafting, revise your essay with a critical eye. Ask yourself, “So what?” for each section. Ensure that every detail contributes to your narrative and answers the prompt effectively. Look for opportunities to enhance clarity and impact, and eliminate any repetitive or extraneous information.

Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of common mistakes:

• Avoid starting with generic statements or clichés.
• Do not invent facts or embellish your experiences; authenticity is key.
• Steer clear of passive voice when you can use active voice.
• Ensure your essay is free from grammatical errors and typos by proofreading multiple times.