How to Write an Essay for the Homer Latimer Memorial Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

Organize your thoughts by exploring the four material buckets: background, achievements, gap, and personality.

• Background: Consider your upbringing, family influences, and any significant experiences that shaped your educational journey. What events or people have motivated you to pursue higher education?
• Achievements: List your accomplishments, including academic successes, extracurricular activities, and community service. Use specific metrics or examples to highlight your responsibilities and the outcomes of your efforts.
• The Gap: Identify what you believe you lack in your current education or experience and explain how receiving this scholarship will help you bridge that gap.
• Personality: Reflect on your values, interests, and unique traits. How do these aspects of your personality influence your goals and aspirations?

Creating an Outline

Draft an outline based on your brainstorming session. Each section should focus on one of the four buckets. Ensure that your outline flows logically, leading the reader through your narrative. Consider starting with a compelling moment from your background, transitioning into your achievements, then addressing the gap, and concluding with insights into your personality.

Drafting with Impact

When writing your essay, aim to hook the committee from the start. Open with an engaging scene or a specific moment that illustrates your journey. Avoid generic statements and instead focus on the details that reveal your character and motivations. Remember to answer the “So what?” question throughout your essay by reflecting on how your experiences have shaped your aspirations and the impact you wish to make.

Revision and Reflection

After drafting your essay, take a break before revising. When you return, read your essay with fresh eyes. Check for clarity, coherence, and the strength of your narrative. Ensure each paragraph serves a purpose and contributes to the overall message. Ask yourself how your experiences and insights connect to the goals of the scholarship.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of common pitfalls when writing your essay:

• Avoid clichés and vague statements that do not add value to your narrative.
• Steer clear of passive voice; use active language to convey your actions and responsibilities.
• Do not fabricate details or exaggerate your accomplishments; authenticity is key.
• Ensure that every section of your essay contributes to a cohesive narrative, avoiding tangents or irrelevant information.