How to Write Your Essay for the Jerger Endowed Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

To create a compelling narrative, gather material across four key areas:

• Background: Reflect on your upbringing, education, and experiences that have influenced your academic and personal development. Consider pivotal moments that led you to pursue higher education.
• Achievements: List your accomplishments, focusing on metrics and outcomes. This could include academic honors, leadership roles, community service, or projects that demonstrate your commitment to making a difference.
• The Gap: Identify what you currently lack in your educational journey and how the Jerger Scholarship will bridge that gap. Be specific about the resources or opportunities you need to advance your studies.
• Personality: Infuse your essay with personal anecdotes that reveal your values and character. This could involve discussing challenges you've faced and how they have shaped your perspective.

Crafting Your Outline

Organize your thoughts into a coherent outline. Start with a compelling introduction that draws the reader in with a specific moment or experience. Follow with sections dedicated to each of the four buckets, ensuring each paragraph has a clear focus. Conclude with a strong statement about your future aspirations and the impact of the scholarship.

Drafting Voice and Style

When drafting your essay, use an active voice and specific language. Avoid clichés and vague statements. Instead of saying, “I am passionate about education,” provide evidence of your passion through specific actions or experiences. Each paragraph should convey a single idea, progressing logically to the next.

Revision and the “So What?” Factor

After drafting, take time to revise. Ask yourself, “So what?” for each major point. Ensure that your reflections on your experiences demonstrate personal growth and insight. Seek feedback from peers or mentors to gain perspective on clarity and impact.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of these common pitfalls:

• Avoid starting with generic statements or clichés.
• Steer clear of vague expressions of passion without concrete examples.
• Do not use passive voice; always attribute actions to a subject.
• Ensure all facts and figures are accurate and verifiable.