How to Write an Essay for the Killingly HS Class of 1970 Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

Organize your thoughts into four key areas:

• Background: Consider your upbringing, community involvement, and experiences that have shaped your educational journey. Reflect on specific moments that influenced your decision to pursue further education.
• Achievements: Identify significant accomplishments in your academic and extracurricular activities. Use metrics and specific examples to quantify your impact, such as leadership roles, projects completed, or community service hours.
• The Gap: Acknowledge any challenges or gaps in your education that you aim to address through this scholarship. Explain why further study is essential for your personal and professional growth.
• Personality: Infuse your essay with personal anecdotes that reveal your values and character. This could include hobbies, interests, or experiences that highlight your unique perspective.

Creating an Outline

Draft a structured outline based on your brainstorming. Each section of your essay should focus on one of the four buckets:

1. Introduction: Start with a compelling anecdote or moment that captures your journey.
2. Body Paragraphs: Dedicate a paragraph to each bucket, ensuring each one has a clear focus and logical flow. Use the STAR method to illustrate achievements and challenges.
3. Conclusion: Reflect on what you have learned and how receiving the scholarship will help you contribute to your community.

Drafting Voice

Write in an active voice and keep your tone reflective yet confident. Avoid clichés and general statements. Instead of saying, “I have always been passionate about education,” share a specific moment that ignited your interest. Remember to answer the “So what?” question throughout your essay—why do your experiences matter?

Revision and “So What?”

After drafting, take a break before revising. Read your essay aloud to catch awkward phrasing and ensure clarity. Ask yourself if each section contributes to a coherent narrative. Does your essay effectively convey your background, achievements, the gap you aim to fill, and your personality? Seek feedback from trusted peers or mentors to gain additional perspectives.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of the following mistakes:

• Avoid vague statements and empty enthusiasm. Your essay should be grounded in specific examples.
• Steer clear of passive voice and bureaucratic language. Use active verbs to convey your actions and impact.
• Do not invent facts or embellish your experiences. Authenticity is crucial in scholarship essays.