How to Write Your Essay for the Jennifer Puryear Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

Organize your thoughts by exploring the four material buckets: background, achievements, gap, and personality.

• Background: Consider your personal history, including family influences, educational experiences, and significant life events that have shaped your goals.
• Achievements: Identify key accomplishments, such as academic honors, leadership roles, or community service. Quantify these where possible (e.g., “led a team of 10 volunteers” or “increased club membership by 30%”).
• The Gap: Reflect on what you currently lack in your educational journey and how the scholarship will help bridge that gap. Be specific about your goals and the resources you need.
• Personality: Infuse your essay with humanizing details that showcase your values, interests, and what makes you unique. This could include hobbies, personal challenges, or cultural influences.

Outline Your Essay

Structure your essay to ensure clarity and flow. A suggested outline could be:

1. Introduction: Start with a concrete moment or scene that encapsulates your journey. Avoid generic statements.
2. Background: Discuss your formative experiences and their impact on your educational aspirations.
3. Achievements: Highlight significant accomplishments and what they reveal about your character and determination.
4. The Gap: Clearly articulate your educational needs and how the scholarship will facilitate your goals.
5. Personality: Share personal anecdotes that reflect your values and aspirations, concluding with a strong statement about your commitment to making a difference.

Drafting Voice and Style

When drafting your essay, maintain an active voice and focus on specificity. Use concrete examples to illustrate your points. Each paragraph should center around one idea, ensuring logical progression and clarity. Avoid clichés and vague statements; instead, let your unique voice shine through.

Revision and the “So What?” Factor

After your initial draft, take a step back and review your essay critically. Ask yourself, “So what?” for each section. What insights or reflections do you provide? Ensure that every part of your essay contributes to a deeper understanding of who you are and why you deserve the scholarship. Seek feedback from peers or mentors to refine your message.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of the following mistakes:

• Avoid starting with clichés or generic statements.
• Do not exaggerate or fabricate experiences; authenticity is crucial.
• Steer clear of passive voice; use active constructions to emphasize your role.
• Ensure each paragraph serves a purpose and contributes to your overall narrative.