How to Write a Compelling Essay for the Positively Sharon Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

Organize your thoughts using the four material buckets: background, achievements, gap, and personality.

• Background: Consider experiences that shaped your educational journey. What challenges have you faced? How have these experiences influenced your goals?
• Achievements: List your significant accomplishments, focusing on metrics and outcomes. Include leadership roles, community service, or academic honors that demonstrate your capabilities.
• The Gap: Identify what you currently lack and how further study will bridge this gap. Be specific about the skills or knowledge you need to acquire.
• Personality: Reflect on personal traits and values that define you. Use anecdotes to illustrate your character and how these traits will contribute to your future success.

Creating an Outline

Once you have gathered your material, create a structured outline. This will help you organize your thoughts and ensure a logical flow in your essay. A suggested outline might include:

1. Introduction: Start with a compelling in-scene moment or personal story that captures the reader's attention.
2. Background: Briefly share your journey and experiences that led you to this point.
3. Achievements: Highlight key accomplishments and their significance.
4. The Gap: Discuss what you aim to achieve through further education and how the scholarship will facilitate this.
5. Personality: Conclude with insights into your character and future aspirations, reinforcing why you deserve this scholarship.

Drafting Voice and Style

When drafting your essay, use an active voice and ensure clarity in your writing. Avoid clichés and vague statements. Instead of general expressions of passion, provide specific examples that demonstrate your commitment and dedication. Each paragraph should focus on a single idea, transitioning smoothly to the next to maintain coherence.

Revision and “So What?”

After completing your draft, take a break before revising. Read your essay with fresh eyes, looking for areas to enhance clarity and impact. Ask yourself, “So what?” for each section. What is the significance of your experiences? How do they relate to your goals and the scholarship? Ensure that your essay answers these questions effectively.

Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of common pitfalls that can weaken your essay:

• Avoid starting with generic statements or overly broad introductions.
• Do not exaggerate or fabricate experiences; authenticity is crucial.
• Steer clear of passive voice and bureaucratic language.
• Ensure your essay is free from spelling and grammatical errors, as these can detract from your message.