How to Write Your Essay for the Jared Monroe Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

Your essay should be structured around four key material buckets: background, achievements, gap, and personality. Consider the following:

• Background: Reflect on your upbringing, experiences, and influences that have shaped your academic and career aspirations. What unique perspectives do you bring?
• Achievements: List significant accomplishments in your academic, extracurricular, or professional life. Use metrics or specific outcomes to demonstrate your impact.
• The Gap: Identify areas where you seek growth or knowledge. What skills or experiences do you lack that further study will provide?
• Personality: Highlight personal traits, values, or anecdotes that humanize your application. What makes you relatable and memorable?

Creating an Outline

Organize your thoughts into a clear outline. Start with a compelling introduction that sets the scene or presents a pivotal moment in your journey. Follow with sections dedicated to each of the four buckets, ensuring each paragraph has a clear focus. Conclude with a strong closing that reiterates your commitment and the potential impact of the scholarship on your future.

Drafting with Purpose

As you draft, aim for clarity and specificity. Avoid generic statements; instead, use detailed examples to illustrate your points. Each paragraph should convey one main idea, supported by evidence from your experiences. Remember to reflect on what you learned from each experience and why it matters to your future goals.

Revision & “So What?”

After drafting, take time to revise. Look for opportunities to enhance clarity and impact. Ask yourself, “So what?” for each section. Ensure that your essay not only shares your story but also connects your experiences to your aspirations and the scholarship's mission. Seek feedback from mentors or peers to gain additional perspectives.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of common mistakes in scholarship essays:

• Avoid clichés and vague phrases that do not provide substance.
• Steer clear of passive voice; use active voice to demonstrate your agency.
• Do not fabricate experiences or achievements; authenticity is crucial.
• Ensure your essay flows logically and maintains a coherent structure.