How to Craft Your Essay for the Marjorie Bowens-Wheatley Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

Organize your thoughts into four material buckets: background, achievements, gap, and personality.

• Background: Consider what experiences have shaped your values and beliefs. Think about your upbringing, education, and any significant moments that influenced your path.
• Achievements: List your accomplishments, focusing on metrics and outcomes. What responsibilities have you held? What impact have you made in your community or academic pursuits?
• The Gap: Identify what you feel is lacking in your current educational journey and how this scholarship will help bridge that gap. Be specific about your academic or career goals.
• Personality: Reflect on your character traits and values. What makes you unique? How do these traits inform your actions and aspirations?

Structuring Your Essay

Outline your essay using a clear structure. Start with an engaging introduction that draws the reader in with a specific moment or story. Follow with body paragraphs that each focus on one of the four buckets, ensuring that each paragraph transitions smoothly to the next. Conclude by tying your experiences back to the scholarship’s mission and your future goals.

Drafting Voice and Style

Write in an active voice, focusing on your role in your achievements and experiences. Use concrete details and specific examples to illustrate your points. Avoid vague statements and clichés; instead, reflect on what your experiences taught you and how they shaped your commitment to making a difference.

Revision and Reflection: The “So What?” Factor

After drafting your essay, revisit each section to ensure clarity and coherence. Ask yourself, “So what?” for each major point. What insights have you gained, and why do they matter? This reflection will help deepen the impact of your narrative and clarify your motivations.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of several common pitfalls:

• Avoid clichés and generic statements. Instead, focus on unique experiences that highlight your individuality.
• Steer clear of passive voice; always emphasize your actions and contributions.
• Do not fabricate experiences or achievements. Authenticity is crucial in scholarship essays.