How to Craft Your Essay for the Susan W. Freestone Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

Organize your thoughts into four material buckets: background, achievements, the gap, and personality.

• Background: Consider your upbringing, experiences, and values that have shaped your educational journey. Reflect on specific moments that influenced your decision to pursue education.
• Achievements: Identify key accomplishments that demonstrate your capabilities. Use metrics to quantify your impact, such as leadership roles, community service hours, or academic honors.
• The Gap: Acknowledge what you lack in your current education or experiences and articulate how this scholarship will help you bridge that gap. Be specific about your goals and how further study will enable you to achieve them.
• Personality: Share humanizing details that reveal your character and values. This could include anecdotes about challenges you've overcome or passions that drive you.

Creating an Outline

Once you have gathered material from the four buckets, create an outline that organizes your thoughts logically. Start with an engaging opening that draws the reader in, followed by sections that explore each bucket. Ensure that each paragraph has a clear focus and transitions smoothly to the next idea.

Drafting Voice and Style

When drafting your essay, use an active voice and be specific in your language. Avoid clichés and generic statements. Instead of saying you are passionate about education, illustrate this through a concrete example or a pivotal moment in your life. Remember to answer the “So what?” question in each section to emphasize the significance of your experiences.

Revision and the “So What?” Factor

After completing your first draft, take a break before revising. Read through your essay with a critical eye, focusing on clarity and coherence. Ensure that each paragraph contributes to your overall narrative and reinforces why you are a strong candidate for the scholarship. Seek feedback from peers or mentors who can provide constructive criticism.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

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

• Avoid vague statements and empty superlatives. Every claim should be backed by evidence or specific examples.
• Steer clear of passive voice. Use active constructions to make your writing more dynamic.
• Do not invent facts or embellish your experiences. Authenticity is crucial in making a genuine connection with the committee.