How to Write Your Essay for the Neil Margeson Sound Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

To create a compelling narrative, consider the following four material buckets:

• Background: Reflect on your personal history, including key experiences that have shaped your educational journey. Think about family influences, challenges faced, or community involvement.
• Achievements: List your academic and extracurricular accomplishments. Quantify your achievements where possible—include specific metrics, leadership roles, and the impact of your contributions.
• The Gap: Identify areas where you seek to grow or what you lack in your current educational path. Explain how this scholarship will help bridge that gap and facilitate your academic and professional aspirations.
• Personality: Infuse your essay with personal anecdotes that reveal your values, passions, and motivations. This is your opportunity to showcase who you are beyond your achievements.

Creating an Outline

Organize your thoughts into a coherent structure. A suggested outline might include:

1. Introduction: Start with a concrete moment or scene that captures your journey or motivation.
2. Body Paragraphs: Dedicate sections to each of the four buckets. Ensure each paragraph focuses on one idea and transitions logically to the next.
3. Conclusion: Summarize your key points and reflect on how receiving this scholarship will impact your future.

Drafting Voice and Style

As you draft, maintain an active voice and specific language. Avoid clichés and general statements; instead, focus on unique, personal experiences. Each section should answer the question, “So what?”—why do your experiences and aspirations matter in the context of this scholarship?

Revision & “So What?”

After drafting, take a break before revising. Look for clarity, coherence, and engagement in your writing. Ask yourself if each paragraph contributes to your overall narrative and if it effectively communicates your motivations and goals. Seek feedback from mentors or peers to gain different perspectives.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of the following mistakes:

• Avoid starting with clichés or overly broad statements.
• Do not exaggerate or fabricate experiences; authenticity is key.
• Steer clear of passive voice; use active verbs to convey your agency.
• Ensure every detail serves a purpose and contributes to your overall message.