How to Craft Your Essay for the Roy G. Kearns Memorial Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

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

• Background: Reflect on experiences that shaped your educational journey. Consider significant events, challenges, or influences that drove your desire to pursue higher education.
• Achievements: List your academic and extracurricular accomplishments. Use metrics where possible, such as GPA, awards, or leadership roles. Highlight specific outcomes that demonstrate your impact.
• The Gap: Identify what you currently lack in your education or skills that this scholarship will help address. Explain how further study at Harper College aligns with your goals.
• Personality: Infuse your essay with personal anecdotes that reveal your values and character. What makes you unique? How do your experiences reflect your commitment to your education and community?

Creating an Outline

Structure your essay with a clear outline. Start with an engaging introduction that draws the reader in. Each paragraph should focus on one idea, transitioning smoothly to the next. Conclude by reiterating your goals and how the scholarship will help you achieve them.

Drafting with Purpose

As you draft, aim for clarity and specificity. Open with a concrete moment or experience rather than a thesis statement. Reflect on what you learned and why it matters. Make sure to provide details that illustrate your points, avoiding vague statements.

Revision and the 'So What?' Factor

After your first draft, take a break and return with fresh eyes. Look for areas where you can enhance clarity and impact. Ask yourself, “So what?” for each section—ensure that your reflections connect back to your goals and the scholarship's purpose.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of clichés and vague language. Avoid starting with phrases like “From a young age” or “I have always been passionate about.” Ensure all facts are accurate and relevant to your experience. Lastly, steer clear of passive voice; use active voice to convey your actions and achievements.