How to Write Your Essay for the Susan L. Morris Memorial Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

To create a compelling narrative, consider the following four material buckets:

• Background: Reflect on your personal history, including family influences, education, and experiences that have shaped your aspirations. What moments stand out that might resonate with the scholarship committee?
• Achievements: Identify specific accomplishments in your academic and extracurricular life. Use metrics and concrete examples to illustrate your contributions, such as leadership roles, projects completed, or community service initiatives.
• The Gap: Acknowledge any challenges or gaps in your education or experience. Discuss how receiving this scholarship will help you overcome these obstacles and further your academic or professional journey.
• Personality: Infuse your essay with personal anecdotes that showcase your values, motivations, and character. What makes you unique? How do your experiences inform your future goals?

Outline Your Essay

Structure your essay logically, ensuring each section flows into the next. A suggested outline could be:

1. Introduction: Start with a compelling moment or story that illustrates your journey.
2. Background: Discuss your personal history and its impact on your current goals.
3. Achievements: Highlight key accomplishments that demonstrate your readiness for this scholarship.
4. The Gap: Address any challenges and how the scholarship will help you bridge these gaps.
5. Conclusion: Reflect on your aspirations and the broader impact you hope to achieve with the scholarship's support.

Drafting Voice and Style

When drafting your essay, use an active voice to convey your narrative. Avoid clichés and vague statements; instead, focus on specific details that illustrate your points. Each paragraph should center around a single idea, leading the reader through your story with clarity and purpose. Remember to answer the “So what?” question—reflect on why your experiences matter and how they connect to your future.

Revision and the “So What?” Factor

After drafting, take a step back and review your essay critically. Ensure that each section contributes to your overall narrative and that you have effectively communicated your motivations and aspirations. Seek feedback from peers or mentors who can provide insights into how your essay resonates. Pay attention to clarity, coherence, and the emotional impact of your story.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of the following mistakes:

• Avoid starting with generic statements or clichés. Open with a specific moment or story instead.
• Steer clear of vague claims about your passion or goals without supporting evidence.
• Do not use passive voice when an active subject exists; this can dilute the impact of your message.
• Ensure all facts and experiences are accurate and verifiable—do not embellish or invent details.