How to Craft Your Essay for the Helen Sundall Goyer Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

To create a well-rounded essay, gather material across these four categories:

• Background: Reflect on your upbringing, education, and experiences that have shaped your identity. Consider significant moments or challenges that influenced your path.
• Achievements: List your accomplishments, both academic and extracurricular. Focus on specific metrics, leadership roles, or projects that demonstrate your impact and responsibility.
• The Gap: Identify areas where further study is essential for your growth. Explain how the scholarship will help bridge this gap and enable you to achieve your goals.
• Personality: Infuse your essay with personal details that reveal your values and character. Share anecdotes that illustrate your passions and motivations, making you relatable to the committee.

Outline Your Essay

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

1. Introduction: Start with a vivid scene or moment that captures your journey.
2. Background: Discuss your formative experiences and how they have shaped your aspirations.
3. Achievements: Highlight key accomplishments, using specific examples and metrics.
4. The Gap: Articulate your educational and career goals, emphasizing how the scholarship will facilitate your journey.
5. Conclusion: Reflect on your commitment to making a positive impact in your field and how the scholarship aligns with that vision.

Drafting Voice and Style

As you draft your essay, maintain an active voice and ensure clarity. Avoid jargon and bureaucratic language; instead, focus on storytelling that engages the reader. Each paragraph should convey a single idea, transitioning smoothly to the next. Remember to reflect on your experiences and articulate why they matter in the broader context of your goals.

Revision and the “So What?” Factor

After drafting your essay, take a step back and review it critically. Ask yourself, “So what?” for each major point. Does your essay convey your unique journey and how it relates to your future? Ensure that every section contributes meaningfully to your overall narrative. Seek feedback from peers or mentors to refine your message.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of these common mistakes:

• Avoid clichés and vague statements. Instead, provide concrete examples that illustrate your points.
• Steer clear of passive voice; always highlight your actions and decisions.
• Do not invent facts or embellish your experiences. Authenticity is key to a compelling essay.
• Ensure your essay stays focused on the prompt and does not stray into unrelated topics.