How to Craft Your Essay for the Margaret Kelly Cubbon Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

To create a well-rounded essay, gather material across these four categories:

• Background: Reflect on your personal history, including experiences that shaped your educational journey. Consider family influences, community involvement, or significant challenges you've faced.
• Achievements: List your accomplishments, focusing on those that demonstrate leadership, initiative, or academic success. Use specific metrics or outcomes to illustrate your impact, such as GPA, awards, or projects.
• The Gap: Identify any gaps in your education or experience that further study will address. Explain why the scholarship is necessary for your academic and career aspirations.
• Personality: Infuse your essay with personal anecdotes that reveal your values, passions, and unique qualities. This helps the committee connect with you on a human level.

Structuring Your Outline

Once you have gathered your material, create an outline that organizes your thoughts logically. Aim for a clear introduction, body paragraphs that each focus on a single idea, and a conclusion that ties everything together. Your outline might look like this:

1. Introduction: Start with a compelling moment or story that captures the reader's attention.
2. Body Paragraphs: Each paragraph should focus on one of the four buckets, ensuring a smooth flow of ideas. Use transitions to guide the reader through your narrative.
3. Conclusion: Reflect on your journey and express how the scholarship will impact your future.

Drafting with Purpose

As you draft your essay, use an active voice to convey your experiences and insights. Avoid clichés and ensure that each sentence adds value to your narrative. Focus on specific details, such as timeframes and measurable outcomes, to enhance credibility. Remember to answer the “So what?” question in every section, highlighting the significance of your experiences and aspirations.

Revision & “So What?”

After completing your draft, take a break before revising. This will help you approach your work with fresh eyes. Look for clarity, coherence, and conciseness. Ensure that your essay aligns with the scholarship's goals and effectively communicates your story. Ask yourself if each paragraph answers the “So what?” question and contributes to your overall message.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

When writing your scholarship essay, be mindful of these common mistakes:

• Avoid vague statements and unsupported claims. Every assertion should be backed by specific examples.
• Steer clear of generic openings and conclusions. Start with a specific moment that illustrates your journey.
• Do not overlook the importance of proofreading. Typos and grammatical errors can detract from your professionalism.