How to Craft Your Essay for the Pat and Frank Harvey Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

Your essay should draw from four key areas: background, achievements, the gap, and personality. Use the following prompts to guide your brainstorming:

• Background: What experiences have shaped your educational and personal journey? Consider family influences, cultural background, and pivotal moments.
• Achievements: What specific accomplishments can you highlight? Focus on metrics or outcomes that demonstrate your commitment and capability.
• The Gap: Identify what you currently lack in your educational experience and how this scholarship will help bridge that gap. Be specific about your goals and aspirations.
• Personality: What humanizing details can you share that reflect your values and character? Think about anecdotes that illustrate your resilience, creativity, or leadership.

Creating an Outline

With your ideas in mind, create a structured outline for your essay. Aim for a clear progression of thoughts:

1. Introduction: Start with a concrete moment or scene that captures your journey.
2. Body Paragraphs: Dedicate one paragraph to each of the four buckets, ensuring each paragraph has a clear focus and transitions smoothly to the next.
3. Conclusion: Reflect on what you have learned and how you plan to use this scholarship to make an impact.

Drafting Voice and Style

As you draft, use an active voice to convey your experiences and insights. Avoid clichés and vague statements. Instead of saying you are passionate about something, show this through specific examples and outcomes. Make sure every section answers the question, “So what?” to emphasize the significance of your experiences.

Revision & “So What?”

After drafting, take a step back and revise with a critical eye. Look for clarity, coherence, and engagement. Each paragraph should contribute to the overall narrative. Ask yourself if your reflections are deep enough and if you have effectively conveyed why your experiences matter. Peer feedback can be invaluable at this stage.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of these common mistakes:

• Avoid starting with generic statements or clichés.
• Steer clear of vague language; be specific in your descriptions and achievements.
• Do not fabricate experiences or details; authenticity is key.
• Ensure your essay maintains a logical flow and clarity throughout.