How to Write Your Essay for the Mary Buettner GED Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

Organizing your thoughts into four key material buckets will help shape your essay:

• Background: Reflect on your life experiences that have shaped your educational path. Consider challenges you have faced and how they have influenced your decision to pursue a GED.
• Achievements: Identify specific accomplishments, whether academic or personal, that demonstrate your readiness for college. Use metrics or examples to quantify your success, such as grades, volunteer hours, or leadership roles.
• The Gap: Acknowledge any areas where you feel you need further development or support. Explain why further study at Southwestern Illinois College is essential for bridging this gap and achieving your long-term goals.
• Personality: Infuse your essay with personal details that highlight your values, motivations, and unique experiences. This humanizing element will help the committee connect with you on a deeper level.

Creating an Outline

Once you have gathered your material, create a structured outline. Each section of your essay should flow logically to the next. Consider starting with a compelling anecdote from your background to draw the reader in. Follow this with your achievements, address the gap in your education, and conclude with your aspirations and how the scholarship will help you reach them.

Drafting Voice and Style

As you draft your essay, maintain an active voice. Use specific examples and avoid vague statements. Instead of saying, "I am passionate about education," illustrate this with a moment that showcases your dedication. Aim for clarity and precision in your writing, ensuring each paragraph focuses on a single idea that supports your overall narrative.

Revision and the “So What?” Factor

After drafting, take a step back and revise your essay with a critical eye. Ask yourself, “So what?” for each section. Ensure that your reflections on your experiences and aspirations clearly convey your motivation and the significance of the scholarship in your educational journey. Seek feedback from mentors or peers to refine your message further.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of these common mistakes:

• Avoid clichéd openers and filler phrases that do not add value to your narrative.
• Steer clear of vague expressions of passion without concrete examples to back them up.
• Do not use passive voice when an active subject exists; this weakens your narrative.
• Ensure all facts and experiences shared are truthful and verifiable; do not fabricate details.