How to Write an Essay for the Graduate SGA Endowed Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

Organize your thoughts by considering four key areas:

• Background: What experiences have shaped your commitment to community outreach? Think about your upbringing, education, and any formative experiences that influenced your path.
• Achievements: Identify specific accomplishments in community service or outreach. Use metrics and examples to illustrate your impact, such as the number of people served or projects led.
• The Gap: Reflect on what you currently lack in your skill set or knowledge that this scholarship will help you address. Be specific about how further education will enable you to enhance your community outreach efforts.
• Personality: Infuse your essay with personal anecdotes that reveal your values and motivations. This helps the committee connect with you as an individual rather than just a candidate.

Outlining Your Essay

Structure your essay to ensure clarity and coherence. A suggested outline includes:

1. Introduction: Start with a specific moment or experience that highlights your commitment to community outreach.
2. Body Paragraphs: Dedicate each paragraph to one of the four buckets. Use the STAR method to provide concrete examples of your achievements and the challenges you've faced.
3. Conclusion: Reflect on how this scholarship will help you address the gap in your education and enhance your ability to make a difference in your community.

Drafting Voice and Style

Maintain an active voice throughout your essay. Avoid clichés and vague statements; instead, focus on specific details and reflections. Each paragraph should convey one main idea, ensuring logical progression from one point to the next. Use transitions to guide the reader through your narrative.

Revision and “So What?”

After drafting, take time to revise your essay. Ask yourself, “So what?” for each section. Ensure that your reflections convey why your experiences matter and how they relate to your goals. Seek feedback from peers or mentors to refine your message and clarity.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of these common mistakes:

• Avoid starting with generic statements or clichés that do not add value to your narrative.
• Do not rely on vague expressions of passion without backing them up with specific examples.
• Ensure that all facts and experiences shared are genuine and verifiable.