How to Write Your Essay for the Simon Youth Academy Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

To create a well-rounded essay, consider gathering material from four key areas:

• Background: Reflect on your personal experiences, family influences, and any challenges you have faced. What shaped your educational journey?
• Achievements: List your significant accomplishments, both academically and in extracurricular activities. Quantify your achievements where possible—such as GPA, leadership roles, or community service hours.
• The Gap: Identify what you currently lack in your educational journey and how further study will help you fill that gap. Be specific about your goals and how this scholarship aligns with them.
• Personality: Infuse your essay with personal anecdotes that showcase your values, interests, and motivations. This is your chance to humanize your application.

Creating an Outline

Once you have gathered your material, create an outline to structure your essay effectively. A typical outline might look like this:

1. Introduction: Start with a compelling moment or scene that draws the reader in.
2. Background: Briefly share your personal story and what has influenced your educational path.
3. Achievements: Highlight key accomplishments that demonstrate your readiness for further study.
4. The Gap: Discuss the educational opportunities you seek and how this scholarship will help bridge the gap.
5. Personality: Include a personal story or insight that reflects your character and values.
6. Conclusion: Reinforce your commitment to your goals and the impact this scholarship will have on your future.

Drafting Voice and Style

As you draft your essay, maintain an active voice and focus on clarity. Avoid clichés and vague statements about your passion. Instead, use specific examples and details to illustrate your points. Each paragraph should focus on a single idea, leading the reader through your narrative logically and cohesively.

Revision and the “So What?” Factor

After completing your draft, take a step back and review your essay with a critical eye. Ask yourself, “So what?” for each section. What insights or reflections do you offer? How do your experiences connect to your future aspirations? Ensure that each part of your essay contributes meaningfully to your overall message.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

When writing your scholarship essay, be mindful of these common pitfalls:

• Avoid starting with generic statements or clichés.
• Do not exaggerate or invent details about your experiences.
• Steer clear of passive voice; always highlight your actions and contributions.
• Ensure your essay is free from grammatical errors and typos, as these can detract from your message.