How to Write an Essay for the Jean B. Chapman Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

To create a compelling essay, gather material across four key areas:

• Background: Reflect on your personal history, cultural influences, and experiences that have shaped your educational journey. Consider how these factors have prepared you for studying at Harper College.
• Achievements: Identify specific accomplishments that demonstrate your skills, leadership, and commitment. Use metrics, responsibilities, and outcomes to provide concrete evidence of your impact.
• The Gap: Acknowledge any gaps in your experience or knowledge that further study at Harper College will help you address. Explain why this scholarship is essential for your academic and professional development.
• Personality: Infuse your essay with humanizing details that reflect your values and character. Share anecdotes that illustrate your resilience, adaptability, and commitment to making a difference.

Outline Your Essay

Creating a structured outline is crucial for clarity and coherence. Your essay should have a clear introduction, body, and conclusion. Start with a strong opening that draws the reader in, perhaps by sharing a specific moment that encapsulates your journey. Organize the body into sections that correspond to the four material buckets, ensuring each paragraph focuses on a single idea. Conclude with a reflection on your aspirations and how the scholarship will help you achieve them.

Drafting Voice and Style

When drafting your essay, use an active voice and be specific. Avoid vague statements and clichés. Instead of saying you are passionate about a subject, demonstrate your enthusiasm through specific examples and experiences. Each paragraph should flow logically to the next, maintaining a cohesive narrative throughout.

Revision and “So What?”

After completing your draft, take a step back and review your work. Ask yourself, “So what?” for each section. What insights have you gained? Why does your story matter? Ensure that your reflections are clear and that they connect your experiences to your future goals. Edit for clarity, coherence, and conciseness, eliminating any redundancies or unclear phrases.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

While writing your essay, be mindful of common mistakes:

• Avoid starting with clichés or generic statements that do not engage the reader.
• Steer clear of vague expressions of passion without supporting details.
• Do not use passive voice when an active subject exists; this weakens your writing.
• Refrain from including invented facts or experiences; authenticity is crucial.