How to Write an Essay for the Perry Homes Endowed Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

To create a compelling essay, gather material across the following four categories:

• Background: Consider your personal history, including family, community, and educational experiences that have shaped your aspirations. Think about specific moments that influenced your decision to pursue higher education.
• Achievements: Identify key accomplishments in your academic and extracurricular life. Quantify your achievements where possible, such as grades, leadership roles, or projects that had a measurable impact.
• The Gap: Reflect on what you currently lack in your educational journey and how further study at San Jacinto College will bridge that gap. Be specific about the skills or knowledge you hope to gain.
• Personality: Infuse your essay with personal anecdotes and values. Share stories that highlight your character, resilience, and commitment to your community.

Creating an Outline

Structure your essay to ensure clarity and flow. A suggested outline could be:

1. Introduction: Start with a concrete moment or scene that captures your journey.
2. Background: Share your personal narrative, emphasizing formative experiences.
3. Achievements: Discuss your key accomplishments and their significance.
4. The Gap: Explain what you hope to achieve at San Jacinto College and how it aligns with your career goals.
5. Personality: Conclude with a personal reflection that ties your experiences back to the scholarship’s mission.

Drafting Voice and Style

As you draft, maintain an active voice and focus on specificity. Avoid vague statements; instead, use concrete examples and metrics to support your claims. Each paragraph should center around one main idea, ensuring logical progression throughout your essay.

Revision and the “So What?” Factor

After drafting, take time to revise your essay. Ask yourself, “So what?” for each section. What insights have you gained? How do your experiences prepare you to make an impact? Ensure that your reflections resonate with the scholarship’s objectives and demonstrate your readiness for the opportunities ahead.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of the following mistakes:

• Avoid clichés and generic statements that do not add value to your narrative.
• Do not use passive voice; instead, highlight your role in achievements and experiences.
• Steer clear of vague language and ensure every claim is backed by specific details.
• Do not invent facts or embellish your experiences; authenticity is key.