How to Write an Essay for the Michelson Health Impact Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

Organize your thoughts into four key material buckets: Background, Achievements, The Gap, and Personality.

• Background: Reflect on your life experiences that have shaped your interest in health and impact. Consider family influences, educational experiences, or personal challenges.
• Achievements: List specific accomplishments that demonstrate your commitment to health and community service. Use metrics where possible, such as volunteer hours, leadership roles, or projects you initiated.
• The Gap: Identify areas where you seek to grow through further study. Explain why these gaps exist and how the scholarship will help you bridge them.
• Personality: Think about what makes you unique. Include anecdotes that reveal your values, motivations, and aspirations.

Creating an Outline

With your material organized, create an outline that flows logically. Start with a strong opening that captures attention, such as a specific moment that highlights your passion for health. Follow with sections that delve into your background, achievements, the gap you wish to fill, and your personality. Ensure each section transitions smoothly to maintain coherence.

Drafting with Impact

As you draft, focus on clarity and specificity. Avoid clichés and vague statements. Instead of saying you are “passionate,” illustrate this through concrete examples. Use active voice and keep paragraphs concise, with one main idea per paragraph. Reflect on what you learned from each experience and why it matters to your future goals.

Revision and the “So What?” Factor

After completing your draft, take a step back. Review your essay to ensure it answers the “So what?” question. Reflect on how your experiences and aspirations connect to the mission of the Michelson Health Impact Scholarship. Seek feedback from peers or mentors and revise for clarity, coherence, and impact.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of common mistakes that can weaken your essay:

• Avoid generic statements that do not provide insight into your character.
• Steer clear of passive voice; ensure your writing is engaging and dynamic.
• Do not invent facts or embellish experiences; authenticity is crucial.