How to Write an Essay for the Jack Saunders Memorial Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

Organize your thoughts into four key areas:

• Background: What experiences have shaped you? Consider family influences, education, and community involvement.
• Achievements: Identify significant accomplishments. Use metrics and specific outcomes to illustrate your impact, whether in academics, extracurricular activities, or community service.
• The Gap: Reflect on what you currently lack in your educational journey. Explain how this scholarship will help bridge that gap and enable you to achieve your goals.
• Personality: Infuse your essay with personal details that reveal your values and character. Share anecdotes that showcase your resilience, empathy, or leadership.

Outlining Your Essay

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

1. Introduction: Start with a concrete moment that illustrates your journey or a pivotal experience.
2. Body Paragraphs: Dedicate each paragraph to one of the four buckets. Ensure each paragraph has a clear focus and connects to your overall narrative.
3. Conclusion: Reflect on your journey and articulate your commitment to making a positive impact in your community or field.

Drafting Voice and Style

Use an active voice to convey your experiences and aspirations. Avoid clichés and vague statements. Instead of saying you are passionate about a topic, demonstrate that passion through specific examples and outcomes. Engage the reader by showing how your experiences have shaped your perspective and future goals.

Revision and the “So What?” Factor

After drafting, take a break before revising. Read your essay with fresh eyes and ask yourself, “So what?” for each section. Ensure that each paragraph not only tells your story but also highlights why your experiences matter to the scholarship committee. Consider seeking feedback from mentors or peers to refine your message further.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of the following mistakes:

• Starting with clichés or generic statements.
• Using passive voice or overly complex language.
• Failing to connect your experiences to the scholarship’s mission.
• Neglecting to proofread for grammar and clarity.