How to Write Your Health Careers Divisional Scholarship Essay

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

To create a well-rounded essay, gather material in the following four categories:

• Background: Consider your personal history, including experiences that have shaped your interest in health careers. What motivated you to pursue this path?
• Achievements: Identify key accomplishments related to your education or community service. Use metrics and specific examples to illustrate your impact, such as volunteer hours or leadership roles.
• The Gap: Reflect on what you currently lack in your education or experience and how the scholarship will help bridge that gap. Be specific about your goals and how this funding will facilitate your journey.
• Personality: Infuse your essay with personal details that showcase your values and character. What makes you unique? How do your experiences inform your commitment to a career in health?

Outline Your Essay

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

1. Introduction: Start with a compelling moment or anecdote that draws the reader in.
2. Body Paragraphs: Dedicate one paragraph to each of the four material buckets. Ensure each paragraph has a clear focus and contributes to your overall narrative.
3. Conclusion: Reflect on your journey and express your commitment to making an impact in the health field. Reinforce how the scholarship will support your goals.

Drafting Voice and Style

As you draft, aim for an active voice that highlights your role in your experiences. Avoid abstract language and focus on specific actions you took and their outcomes. Use vivid details to paint a picture for the reader, making your experiences relatable and memorable.

Revision and “So What?”

After drafting, take a break before revising. When you return to your essay, ask yourself, “So what?” for each section. Ensure that your writing reflects not only what you did but also what you learned and how it shaped your future aspirations. Seek feedback from peers or mentors to gain different perspectives.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of the following pitfalls:

• Avoid clichés and generic statements. Start with a specific moment or story instead of broad declarations.
• Steer clear of vague language. Use concrete details and metrics to support your claims.
• Don’t fabricate experiences or achievements. Authenticity is key to connecting with the scholarship committee.