How to Craft Your Essay for the Roger L. Shaffer Memorial Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

Organize your thoughts into four key areas:

• Background: What experiences have shaped your educational path? Consider family influences, community involvement, or significant life events.
• Achievements: Identify specific accomplishments that demonstrate your skills and dedication. Use metrics to quantify your impact, such as projects completed, leadership roles held, or community service hours.
• The Gap: Reflect on what you currently lack in your education and how this scholarship will help you bridge that gap. Be specific about your academic and career goals.
• Personality: Infuse your essay with personal anecdotes that showcase your values and character. This could include challenges you've faced or passions that drive you.

Creating an Outline

Structure your essay logically. A suggested outline could be:

1. Introduction: Start with a powerful moment or anecdote that captures the reader's attention.
2. Background: Share your story and what has influenced your educational journey.
3. Achievements: Detail your accomplishments with specific examples and outcomes.
4. The Gap: Explain what you hope to achieve with the scholarship and how it will aid your studies.
5. Personality: Conclude with reflections on your values and future aspirations, emphasizing your commitment to making a difference.

Drafting Voice and Style

Write in an active voice, focusing on your experiences and insights. Avoid clichés and general statements. Instead of saying you are passionate about your field, illustrate this passion through specific examples and narratives. Each paragraph should focus on a single idea and transition smoothly to the next, maintaining a clear progression of thought.

Revision and “So What?” Reflection

After drafting, revise your essay with a critical eye. Ask yourself, “So what?” after each section. What insights or reflections can you offer that demonstrate your growth and future potential? Ensure that your essay not only tells your story but also connects your experiences to the scholarship's mission.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be wary of these common mistakes:

• Clichés: Avoid overused phrases and generic statements that do not add value to your narrative.
• Lack of Specificity: Provide concrete details, including numbers and outcomes, to support your claims.
• Passive Voice: Use active voice to create a more engaging and direct narrative.
• Invention of Facts: Stick to verifiable information about your experiences and achievements.