Soroptomists Breyfogle Scholarship Essay Guide

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

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

• Background: Reflect on your personal history, including family, culture, and significant life events that have shaped your educational journey.
• Achievements: Identify key accomplishments in your academic and extracurricular life. Use specific metrics and outcomes to demonstrate your impact, such as leadership roles, projects completed, or awards received.
• The Gap: Consider what you currently lack in your education or experience and how this scholarship will help you bridge that gap. Be clear about your educational goals and the skills you wish to develop.
• Personality: Infuse your essay with personal anecdotes that reveal your values, interests, and character. This will help the committee connect with you on a human level.

Creating an Outline

Once you've gathered your material, organize it into a coherent outline. Start with an engaging introduction that presents a specific moment or experience that encapsulates your journey. Follow with body paragraphs that explore each of the four buckets, ensuring each paragraph focuses on one main idea. Conclude with a strong closing that reiterates your commitment to your educational goals and how the scholarship will help you achieve them.

Drafting Voice and Style

As you draft your essay, maintain an active voice and a reflective tone. Avoid clichés and generic statements; instead, focus on your unique experiences and insights. Each paragraph should clearly articulate your thoughts and progress logically to the next point. Remember to answer the “So what?” question in each section, reflecting on how your experiences have shaped you and why they matter.

Revision & “So What?”

After completing your draft, take a break before revising. This will help you view your essay with fresh eyes. Look for clarity and coherence, ensuring that each section contributes to your overall narrative. Seek feedback from trusted mentors or peers and be open to constructive criticism. Ensure that your final essay answers the question of why you are deserving of this scholarship and how it will impact your future.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of several common pitfalls when writing your scholarship essay:

• Avoid vague statements and generalizations; be specific in your examples.
• Do not use clichés or overused phrases that may weaken your essay.
• Ensure that you do not fabricate facts or experiences; authenticity is key.
• Steer clear of passive voice; use active voice to make your writing more engaging.