How to Craft Your Essay for the Levesque Book Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

To create a well-rounded essay, gather material from the following four buckets:

• Background: Reflect on your personal history, including your upbringing, education, and any significant experiences that have shaped your values and aspirations. Consider how these elements influence your academic goals.
• Achievements: Identify key accomplishments in your academic and extracurricular life. Use specific metrics, such as GPA, leadership roles, or community service hours, to illustrate your impact.
• The Gap: Assess what you currently lack in your educational journey and how the scholarship will help bridge that gap. This could include financial support for books, resources, or opportunities for professional development.
• Personality: Infuse your essay with personal anecdotes and insights that reveal your character. This will help the committee connect with you on a human level.

Creating an Outline

Organize your thoughts into a clear outline. A typical structure might include:

1. Introduction: Start with a compelling moment or experience that encapsulates your journey. Avoid generic statements and focus on a specific scene that draws the reader in.
2. Body Paragraphs: Dedicate each paragraph to a specific theme or bucket. Ensure each section flows logically to the next, maintaining a coherent narrative.
3. Conclusion: Reflect on how the scholarship will impact your future. Emphasize your commitment to using the opportunity for personal and academic growth.

Drafting Voice and Style

As you draft your essay, maintain an active voice and ensure clarity in your writing. Avoid jargon and overly complex sentences; instead, aim for straightforward language that conveys your message effectively. Use specific examples to illustrate your points and ensure you answer the “So what?” question in every major section.

Revision and Reflection

After completing your first draft, take a step back and review your work. Look for areas where you can enhance clarity or provide additional detail. Consider whether your essay authentically represents your experiences and aspirations. Seek feedback from peers or mentors to gain new perspectives.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of the following pitfalls:

• Avoid clichés and generic statements. Your essay should reflect your unique voice and experiences.
• Steer clear of vague assertions about your passion or commitment. Instead, provide concrete examples to support your claims.
• Do not use passive voice when an active subject exists. This will make your writing stronger and more engaging.