How to Write Your Essay for the New Jersey Sharing Network Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

Use the four material buckets to gather your thoughts:

• Background: Consider your upbringing, influences, and experiences that have shaped your interest in organ donation or related fields. What pivotal moments stand out?
• Achievements: Identify key accomplishments in your academic, extracurricular, or volunteer activities. Quantify your impact where possible—did you lead a project that increased awareness about organ donation by a specific percentage?
• The Gap: Reflect on what you currently lack in your education or experience that this scholarship could help address. How will further study enhance your ability to contribute to the field?
• Personality: Think about what makes you unique. What values drive you? Share specific anecdotes that illustrate your character and commitment.

Creating an Outline

Structure your essay logically. Start with an engaging opening that immerses the reader in a moment from your life. Follow with sections that explore each material bucket, ensuring each paragraph focuses on one main idea. Conclude with a reflection on how this scholarship will empower your future contributions.

Drafting Voice and Style

Write in an active voice, using specific examples to illustrate your points. Avoid clichés and vague expressions. Instead of stating your passion, demonstrate it through your experiences and insights. Each paragraph should have a clear purpose and connect to your overall narrative.

Revision and “So What?”

After drafting, revise to ensure clarity and coherence. Ask yourself, “So what?” after each section. What is the significance of your experiences? How do they tie back to the scholarship's mission? This reflection will deepen your essay's impact.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Avoid generic statements and overly broad themes. Steer clear of passive voice and bureaucratic language. Ensure that every detail you provide is truthful and relevant to your narrative. Lastly, remember to proofread for grammar and clarity.