How to Craft Your Essay for the Roger & Ruth Turney Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

Your essay should encompass four key material buckets: background, achievements, the gap, and personality. Use the following prompts to guide your brainstorming:

• Background: What experiences have shaped your academic journey? Consider family influences, community involvement, or significant life events.
• Achievements: Identify specific accomplishments that showcase your skills and dedication. Use metrics or outcomes where possible, such as leadership roles, projects completed, or awards received.
• The Gap: Reflect on what you currently lack in your education or experience that this scholarship would help address. Be honest about your needs and articulate why further study is essential for your growth.
• Personality: Share humanizing details that reveal your values and character. What unique perspectives do you bring to the table?

Creating an Outline

Once you have gathered your thoughts, organize them into a coherent outline. Consider using a structure that flows logically from one section to the next, ensuring each paragraph has a clear purpose. A potential outline might look like this:

1. Introduction: Start with an engaging moment or anecdote that captures your journey.
2. Background: Discuss your formative experiences and how they led you to pursue higher education.
3. Achievements: Highlight your notable accomplishments and their impact.
4. The Gap: Explain the challenges you face and how this scholarship will help you overcome them.
5. Personality: Share insights into your values and how they align with the scholarship's mission.
6. Conclusion: Reflect on your aspirations and express gratitude for the opportunity.

Drafting Voice and Style

Your writing should be active and engaging. Avoid clichés and vague statements; instead, focus on specific experiences and insights. Open with a concrete moment that sets the stage for your narrative. As you write, continually ask yourself, “So what?” to ensure that each section reflects on your journey and its significance.

Revision and “So What?”

After drafting your essay, take a break before revising. When you return, read your essay with fresh eyes. Look for areas where you can enhance clarity and impact. Ensure each paragraph answers the “So what?” question, demonstrating how your experiences and aspirations connect to the scholarship's goals.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of the following pitfalls:

• Avoid starting with generic statements or clichés that do not add value to your essay.
• Steer clear of vague language; instead, provide specific examples and metrics to support your claims.
• Do not rely on passive voice; use active voice to convey your actions and impact.
• Ensure all details are accurate and verifiable; do not fabricate experiences or achievements.