How to Craft Your Essay for the JaSonte Allen Medsker Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

To create a compelling essay, gather material across these four categories:

• Background: Reflect on your personal history. What experiences have shaped your values and goals? Consider family influences, education, and community involvement.
• Achievements: Identify key accomplishments that showcase your skills and dedication. Use metrics where possible—such as leadership roles, volunteer hours, or academic performance—to provide context and impact.
• The Gap: Consider what you currently lack in your education or experience. How will this scholarship bridge that gap? Be specific about how further study will enhance your capabilities.
• Personality: Infuse your essay with personal anecdotes that reveal your character. What drives you? What values do you hold dear? Specific stories can make your application memorable.

Outline Your Essay

Once you have gathered your material, create an outline to organize your thoughts. A typical structure might include:

1. Introduction: Start with an engaging scene or moment that captures your journey. Avoid generic statements.
2. Body Paragraphs: Allocate sections to each of the four buckets. Use the STAR method to highlight achievements and challenges, ensuring each paragraph focuses on a single idea.
3. Conclusion: Reflect on how the scholarship will impact your future. Reiterate your commitment to making a difference in your community.

Drafting Voice and Style

As you draft, maintain an active voice. Describe your actions and decisions clearly. Avoid clichés and vague expressions of passion. Instead, focus on specific instances that demonstrate your commitment and growth. Each paragraph should transition logically to the next, maintaining a cohesive narrative.

Revision & “So What?”

After drafting, take a break before revising. Look for clarity and engagement. Ask yourself: What changed in me? Why does this matter? Ensure each section answers this question and contributes to your overall narrative. Seek feedback from trusted peers or mentors who can provide constructive criticism.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of these common mistakes:

• Using clichés or generic phrases that do not add value to your narrative.
• Failing to provide specific examples or metrics that demonstrate your achievements.
• Neglecting to connect your experiences to the scholarship’s goals.
• Overlooking the importance of a strong opening and closing that resonate with the reader.