How to Craft Your Essay for the SDES Eastern Chapter Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

Your essay should incorporate four key material buckets: background, achievements, the gap, and personality. Use these categories to structure your thoughts:

• Background: What experiences have shaped who you are today? Consider family influences, educational environments, or community involvement that have impacted your academic journey.
• Achievements: Identify specific accomplishments that demonstrate your skills and dedication. Use metrics and concrete examples to illustrate your contributions, such as projects completed, leadership roles, or awards received.
• The Gap: Reflect on what you currently lack in your education or experience and how this scholarship will help bridge that gap. Be specific about your goals and how further study will enable you to achieve them.
• Personality: Share personal anecdotes that reveal your values and character. This could include challenges you've faced, lessons learned, or moments that have defined your perspective.

Outline Your Essay

Creating a clear outline will help you organize your thoughts effectively. Consider the following structure:

1. Introduction: Start with a compelling moment or scene that captures the reader's attention. Avoid generic statements and instead focus on a specific experience that relates to your journey.
2. Body Paragraphs: Dedicate each paragraph to one of the four material buckets. Ensure each section flows logically into the next, maintaining a clear connection to the scholarship's objectives.
3. Conclusion: Reflect on your journey and articulate how this scholarship will impact your future. Reiterate your commitment to your goals and how you plan to contribute to your field.

Drafting Voice and Style

When writing your essay, use an active voice and be specific in your language. Avoid vague terms and clichés; instead, provide concrete examples that showcase your experiences and insights. Each paragraph should focus on one main idea, ensuring clarity and coherence throughout your essay.

Revision and the “So What?” Factor

After drafting your essay, take time to revise. Ask yourself, “So what?” for each section. What changed in you as a result of your experiences? Why does this matter to the scholarship committee? Ensure that you clearly articulate the significance of your journey and how it aligns with the scholarship's mission.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

As you finalize your essay, be mindful of common mistakes:

• Avoid clichés and generic statements that do not add value to your narrative.
• Do not invent facts or embellish your experiences; authenticity is key.
• Steer clear of passive voice where possible; keep your writing dynamic.
• Ensure that each paragraph serves a purpose and contributes to your overall argument.