How to Craft Your Essay for The Don Smith Family Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

To structure your thoughts effectively, use the four material buckets: background, achievements, gap, and personality.

• Background: Identify key experiences that have shaped your educational journey. Think about family influences, community involvement, or challenges you've faced.
• Achievements: List your academic and extracurricular accomplishments. Quantify your achievements where possible—include grades, leadership roles, or community service hours.
• The Gap: Reflect on what you still need to achieve your goals. How does further education fit into this picture? Be specific about your aspirations and how this scholarship will help bridge that gap.
• Personality: Humanize your essay by sharing anecdotes that reveal your values and character. What makes you unique? Consider moments that illustrate your resilience and commitment.

Creating an Outline

With your brainstorming complete, create a structured outline. Start with an engaging opening that draws the reader in—consider using a specific moment or scene from your life. Organize your sections logically, ensuring each paragraph transitions smoothly to the next. Aim for one main idea per paragraph, focusing on clarity and coherence.

Drafting Voice and Style

As you draft your essay, maintain an active voice. Use concrete details to illustrate your points, avoiding vague statements. Each section should reflect on your experiences and answer the question, “So what?”—why do your experiences matter in the context of this scholarship? Keep your language precise and reflective, demonstrating your commitment to your education and future.

Revision and Reflection

After completing your first draft, take a break before revising. When you return, read your essay with fresh eyes. Look for areas where you can enhance clarity and specificity. Ensure that each paragraph contributes to a coherent narrative about your journey and aspirations. Seek feedback from mentors or peers to refine your essay further.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of common pitfalls in scholarship essays. Avoid clichés and vague statements that do not provide insight into your character or achievements. Refrain from using passive voice; instead, focus on your active role in your experiences. Lastly, ensure all details are truthful and verifiable—do not invent facts or embellish your accomplishments.