How to Write a Compelling Essay for the Friends of UWW Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

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

• Background: Reflect on your personal history, including family, education, and significant life experiences that have shaped who you are today. Consider moments that inspired your academic pursuits or community involvement.
• Achievements: List your accomplishments, focusing on metrics or outcomes. Include leadership roles, academic honors, volunteer work, or projects that demonstrate your commitment to making a difference.
• The Gap: Identify areas where you seek growth. What skills or knowledge do you hope to gain through further study at UMass Amherst? Be specific about how this scholarship will help bridge the gap in your education.
• Personality: Infuse your essay with personal details that showcase your values and character. Share anecdotes that reveal your motivations, resilience, and aspirations.

Creating an Outline

Structure your essay to ensure clarity and flow. A suggested outline might include:

1. Introduction: Start with a vivid moment or scene that captures your journey or motivation.
2. Background: Discuss your formative experiences and how they led you to UMass Amherst.
3. Achievements: Highlight key accomplishments and their impact on your personal and academic growth.
4. The Gap: Explain what you hope to achieve at UMass and how the scholarship will facilitate that journey.
5. Conclusion: Reflect on your commitment to making a positive impact and how the scholarship aligns with your future goals.

Drafting with Voice and Specificity

As you write, maintain an active voice and focus on specificity. Avoid vague statements and instead provide concrete details, such as numbers, timeframes, and clear actions. For example, instead of saying you “helped” in a project, describe your specific role and the outcomes achieved. This will help the committee visualize your contributions and understand your impact.

Revision and Answering “So What?”

After drafting, take a step back and review your essay critically. Ensure each section answers the question “So what?”—what does this detail reveal about you? Look for areas where you can deepen your reflection or clarify your motivations. Seek feedback from peers or mentors to gain different perspectives on your writing.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be aware of common mistakes that can weaken your essay:

• Avoid clichés and generic statements that do not add value to your narrative.
• Steer clear of passive voice; always highlight your active role in experiences.
• Do not fabricate experiences or achievements; authenticity is crucial.
• Ensure you maintain a coherent structure throughout your essay, with clear transitions between ideas.