How to Write a Winning Essay for the Sharon Oshatz Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

To create a compelling narrative, gather material across four critical areas:

• Background: Reflect on your life experiences that have influenced your educational journey. Consider family, community, or personal challenges that have shaped your perspective.
• Achievements: Identify specific accomplishments that demonstrate your commitment to education and community service. Use metrics or outcomes to highlight your impact, such as volunteer hours or leadership roles.
• The Gap: Articulate what you currently lack in terms of education or resources and explain how receiving this scholarship will help bridge that gap. Be specific about your educational goals and how this funding will facilitate them.
• Personality: Infuse your essay with personal details that reveal your values and character. Share anecdotes that showcase your resilience, creativity, or dedication.

Creating a Structured Outline

Organize your thoughts into a clear outline. Each section of your essay should focus on one main idea. A possible structure could be:

1. Introduction: Start with an engaging anecdote or moment that captures your journey.
2. Background: Discuss your formative experiences and how they led you to pursue your education.
3. Achievements: Highlight key accomplishments that demonstrate your readiness for further study.
4. The Gap: Clearly explain your educational goals and the role of the scholarship in achieving them.
5. Personality: Conclude with reflections on what you hope to contribute to your field and community.

Drafting with Impact

As you draft your essay, focus on using an active voice and specific language. Avoid vague statements and clichés. Instead of saying you are passionate about a subject, illustrate that passion with concrete examples. Each paragraph should lead logically to the next, maintaining a clear narrative thread throughout your essay.

Revision & “So What?”

After drafting, take time to revise your essay. Ask yourself, “So what?” for each section. Ensure that every paragraph contributes to your overall message and reflects your growth and aspirations. Seek feedback from peers or mentors who can provide constructive criticism.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of common mistakes that can weaken your essay:

• Avoid starting with clichés or generic statements. Instead, open with a specific moment or insight.
• Steer clear of passive voice. Use active voice to convey your actions and impact.
• Do not include invented details or embellishments. Stick to verifiable facts about your experiences and achievements.