Crafting Your Essay for the Orville Walters Memorial Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

Organize your thoughts into four key areas that will enrich your essay:

• Background: Consider your personal history, including your upbringing, education, and experiences that have shaped who you are today. What life events or challenges have influenced your educational journey?
• Achievements: Highlight your accomplishments, both academic and extracurricular. Quantify your achievements where possible—mention specific projects, leadership roles, or community service initiatives that demonstrate your commitment and impact.
• The Gap: Reflect on what you currently lack in your education and how this scholarship will help bridge that gap. Be specific about your academic or professional aspirations and how this financial support will facilitate your goals.
• Personality: Infuse your essay with personal anecdotes that reveal your values, interests, and motivations. This is your opportunity to showcase who you are beyond your achievements.

Creating an Outline

Structure your essay logically. A clear outline will help you stay focused and ensure that each paragraph contributes to your overall message. Consider the following structure:

1. Introduction: Start with a compelling moment or scene that captures the reader's attention. Avoid generic statements and aim for specificity.
2. Body Paragraphs: Dedicate each paragraph to one of the four buckets. Use the STAR method to illustrate your achievements and experiences, detailing the Situation, Task, Action, and Result.
3. Conclusion: Reflect on what you have learned from your experiences and how this scholarship will enable you to make a positive impact in your community or field.

Drafting Voice and Style

Your writing should be active and engaging. Use specific examples and details to support your claims. Avoid clichés and vague statements about your passions. Instead, focus on tangible experiences that demonstrate your commitment to your education and future goals.

Revision & “So What?”

After drafting your essay, take a step back and evaluate it critically. Ask yourself, “So what?” after each section. What insights have you shared? How do your experiences connect to the scholarship's purpose? Ensure that your reflections answer these questions clearly and meaningfully.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of the following mistakes:

• Avoid generic openers and filler content. Start with a vivid scene or moment that draws the reader in.
• Steer clear of vague language and superlatives. Provide concrete examples and measurable outcomes.
• Do not use passive voice when an active subject exists; make your writing direct and impactful.
• Ensure that all facts are accurate and verifiable. Do not invent experiences or achievements.