How to Write an Essay for the Jan and Lucy Verlaan Voice Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

To create a compelling narrative, organize your thoughts into four material buckets: background, achievements, gap, and personality.

• Background: Reflect on your life experiences that have shaped your educational goals. Consider family influences, community involvement, or pivotal moments that inspired your academic journey.
• Achievements: Identify significant accomplishments that demonstrate your capabilities. Use specific metrics, such as leadership roles, community service hours, or academic honors, to quantify your impact.
• The Gap: Address what you currently lack in your educational journey and how this scholarship will help bridge that gap. Be honest about your aspirations and the resources you need to achieve them.
• Personality: Infuse your essay with personal anecdotes that reveal your values and character. Share experiences that illustrate your resilience, creativity, or commitment to your field of study.

Outlining Your Essay

Once you have gathered your material, create an outline that flows logically. Start with an engaging introduction that sets the scene or presents a moment of significance. Follow with paragraphs dedicated to each bucket, ensuring each section transitions smoothly into the next. Consider concluding with a reflection on your future aspirations and how the scholarship aligns with them.

Drafting Voice and Style

Your writing should be clear, active, and reflective. Avoid clichés and vague statements. Begin paragraphs with strong topic sentences that introduce the main idea, and ensure that each paragraph supports your overall narrative. Use specific examples to illustrate your points, and remember to maintain a tone that is confident yet humble.

Revision and the “So What?” Factor

After drafting your essay, take a step back and evaluate it critically. Ask yourself, “So what?” for each major point. Does your essay convey not just what you have done, but why it matters? Seek feedback from peers or mentors, and be prepared to revise multiple times to enhance clarity and impact.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of common mistakes that can weaken your essay:

• Avoid starting with generic statements or clichés.
• Refrain from using passive voice; always attribute actions to a clear subject.
• Do not exaggerate your achievements or invent experiences; authenticity is key.
• Ensure that your essay stays focused on the scholarship prompt and does not stray off-topic.