How to Craft Your Essay for the DCU Last Mile Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

Utilize the four material buckets to gather relevant information for your essay:

• Background: Reflect on your personal history, including experiences that shaped your educational goals. Consider family influences, community involvement, or challenges you’ve overcome.
• Achievements: Identify specific accomplishments in your academic or personal life. Use metrics to quantify your success—such as grades, awards, or leadership roles—and describe your responsibilities and outcomes.
• The Gap: Analyze what you currently lack in your education and how the scholarship will help bridge that gap. Discuss your academic or career aspirations and how further study at Mount Wachusett Community College fits into that vision.
• Personality: Include personal details that showcase your values and character. Share anecdotes that reveal your motivations, interests, and how you engage with your community.

Creating an Outline

Structure your essay logically. A suggested outline might include:

1. Introduction: Start with a compelling scene or moment that illustrates your journey.
2. Background: Provide context about your life and experiences.
3. Achievements: Highlight key accomplishments and their significance.
4. The Gap: Explain what you aim to achieve through further education.
5. Personality: Share personal anecdotes that reflect your character.
6. Conclusion: Reflect on your journey and the impact of receiving the scholarship.

Drafting Voice and Style

As you draft your essay, aim for an active voice. Use specific details and avoid clichés. Open with a vivid moment that draws the reader in. Throughout your essay, reflect on your experiences and articulate why they matter. Each paragraph should focus on one idea and transition smoothly to the next, creating a cohesive narrative.

Revision and “So What?”

After drafting, take a break before revising. Read your essay with fresh eyes, focusing on clarity and impact. Ask yourself, “So what?” for each section. Ensure your reflections answer why your experiences are significant and how they connect to your future goals. Seek feedback from peers or mentors to gain different perspectives.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of the following pitfalls:

• Avoid generic statements and clichés that do not add value to your narrative.
• Do not rely on vague expressions of passion without concrete examples to support them.
• Refrain from using passive voice; always attribute actions to specific subjects.
• Ensure all facts and details are accurate and verifiable, avoiding any embellishments.