How to Craft Your R. J. Davis Scholarship Essay

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

To create a well-rounded essay, consider organizing your thoughts into four key material buckets:

• Background: Reflect on your upbringing, cultural influences, and experiences that have shaped who you are today. What life events have motivated you to pursue higher education?
• Achievements: Highlight specific accomplishments that demonstrate your skills and commitment. Use metrics and outcomes to quantify your impact, whether in academics, extracurricular activities, or community service.
• The Gap: Identify any gaps in your knowledge or experience that further education at UMass Amherst will help you fill. Explain why this scholarship is critical to your educational journey.
• Personality: Share personal anecdotes that reveal your values, passions, and motivations. This is your opportunity to humanize your application and connect with the committee on a personal level.

Creating an Outline

Once you have brainstormed your material, create an outline that organizes your thoughts logically. Each section of your essay should have a clear focus:

1. Introduction: Start with a concrete moment or scene that illustrates your journey or motivation.
2. Body Paragraphs: Dedicate each paragraph to one of the four buckets. Ensure each paragraph transitions smoothly to the next, maintaining a logical flow.
3. Conclusion: Reflect on your journey, the insights you’ve gained, and how the scholarship will help you achieve your future goals.

Drafting Voice and Style

As you draft your essay, maintain an active voice and use specific language. Avoid clichés and generalities. Instead of stating your passion, show it through examples and experiences. Aim for clarity and precision, ensuring that every sentence contributes to your overall message.

Revision and the “So What?” Factor

After completing your draft, take a break before revising. When you return, read through your essay with a critical eye. Ask yourself, “So what?” after each section. What insight or value does it provide? Ensure that your essay not only tells your story but also connects your experiences to the scholarship’s objectives.

Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of common pitfalls that can weaken your essay:

• Avoid vague statements about your passions without supporting evidence.
• Steer clear of passive voice; always attribute actions to specific individuals or yourself.
• Do not invent facts or experiences; authenticity is key in scholarship essays.