How to Write Your Essay for the Janet Alholm Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

To effectively structure your essay, gather material across four key areas:

• Background: Reflect on your upbringing, experiences, and influences that led you to pursue interior design. Consider specific moments or mentors that shaped your interest.
• Achievements: Identify key accomplishments in your academic and extracurricular activities. Use metrics where possible, such as projects completed, awards received, or leadership roles held.
• The Gap: Acknowledge what you currently lack in your educational journey and how this scholarship will bridge that gap. Be specific about how additional funding will enable you to further your studies in interior design.
• Personality: Infuse your essay with personal anecdotes that reveal your character, values, and motivations. This is your chance to show the committee who you are beyond your academic record.

Creating an Outline

Once you've gathered your material, create an outline that logically organizes your thoughts. A suggested structure could be:

1. Introduction: Start with a compelling moment that draws the reader in. This could be a personal story or a pivotal experience related to interior design.
2. Background: Share your journey and influences that led you to this field.
3. Achievements: Highlight your accomplishments, using specific examples and metrics.
4. The Gap: Discuss what you hope to achieve with the scholarship and how it will help you overcome current challenges.
5. Personality: Conclude with reflections on your values and future aspirations in interior design.

Drafting Voice and Style

As you draft your essay, aim for an active voice that engages the reader. Avoid clichés and vague statements; instead, be specific and reflective. Each paragraph should focus on a single idea, leading the reader logically through your narrative. Remember to answer the “So what?” question in each section, emphasizing why your experiences and aspirations matter.

Revision and “So What?”

After completing your first draft, take a break before revising. Look for clarity and coherence in your writing. Ask yourself if each section effectively answers the prompt and contributes to your overall narrative. Seek feedback from trusted peers or mentors, and be open to constructive criticism. Ensure that your final draft reflects your unique voice and perspective.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of these common pitfalls when writing your scholarship essay:

• Using Clichés: Avoid overused phrases and generalizations that do not add value to your narrative.
• Being Vague: Provide specific examples and metrics to support your claims, steering clear of empty passion statements.
• Neglecting the Prompt: Stay focused on the scholarship's goals and ensure your essay aligns with what the committee is seeking.