How to Write a Compelling Essay for the Gitenstein Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

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

• Background: Consider your upbringing, education, and experiences that have shaped your identity. Reflect on specific moments that have influenced your academic journey.
• Achievements: List your accomplishments, focusing on measurable outcomes. Include leadership roles, projects, or initiatives you have undertaken and the impact they had.
• The Gap: Identify areas where you feel you need further development and how the scholarship will help bridge that gap. Be specific about your academic and career aspirations.
• Personality: Infuse your essay with personal anecdotes that reveal your values, interests, and motivations. This will help the committee see you as a well-rounded individual.

Creating an Outline

Organize your thoughts into a coherent structure. A suggested outline might include:

1. Introduction: Start with a compelling scene or moment that draws the reader in. Avoid generic statements.
2. Background: Share your formative experiences and what led you to pursue higher education.
3. Achievements: Highlight key accomplishments, using specific examples and metrics to demonstrate your impact.
4. The Gap: Explain what you hope to gain from further study and how the scholarship will support your goals.
5. Personality: Conclude with a personal touch, reflecting on your values and commitment to making a difference.

Drafting Voice and Style

As you draft your essay, maintain an active voice and ensure clarity in your writing. Use specific details to illustrate your points, and avoid vague language. Each paragraph should focus on one main idea, with smooth transitions to guide the reader through your narrative.

Revision and “So What?”

After drafting, take a step back and review your essay critically. Ask yourself, “So what?” for each section. Ensure that your reflections convey personal growth and insight. Edit for clarity, coherence, and conciseness. Seek feedback from peers or mentors to gain different perspectives.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of these common mistakes:

• Avoid clichés and generic statements that do not add value to your narrative.
• Do not exaggerate your achievements or fabricate experiences.
• Steer clear of passive voice; always attribute actions to yourself.
• Ensure your essay has a clear focus and does not meander off-topic.