How to Write Your Essay for the Hammond Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

To create a well-rounded essay, gather material across four key categories:

• Background: Reflect on your personal history and experiences that have shaped your academic and career goals. Consider family influences, significant events, or challenges you've faced.
• Achievements: Identify specific accomplishments in your academic or extracurricular life. Use metrics where possible, such as GPA, leadership roles, or community service hours, to quantify your impact.
• The Gap: Discuss what you currently lack in terms of skills, resources, or experiences that further study will help you address. Be honest about your aspirations and how this scholarship fits into them.
• Personality: Infuse your essay with personal anecdotes that reveal your values, interests, and unique perspective. This helps the committee see you as a whole person, not just a list of achievements.

Creating an Outline

Structure your essay logically to ensure clarity and flow. An effective outline might include:

1. Introduction: Start with a concrete moment or anecdote that captures your journey. Avoid generic statements.
2. Body Paragraphs: Dedicate a paragraph to each of the four material buckets. Ensure that each paragraph transitions smoothly to the next, maintaining a logical progression.
3. Conclusion: Reflect on what receiving this scholarship would mean for you. Reiterate your commitment to your educational goals and how you plan to use your education for future impact.

Drafting with Voice and Clarity

As you draft your essay, focus on maintaining an active voice. Use specific examples and details to illustrate your points. Avoid filler phrases and clichés; instead, aim for authenticity and clarity. Each paragraph should convey one main idea, and transitions should guide the reader through your narrative.

Revision and the “So What?” Factor

After drafting, take a step back and review your essay critically. Ask yourself: What changed in me through these experiences? Why does this matter? Ensure that each section answers the “So what?” question, demonstrating your growth and future aspirations.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of these common mistakes:

• Avoid clichés and vague statements that lack evidence.
• Do not use passive voice when an active subject exists.
• Refrain from including invented facts or embellishments about your experiences.
• Ensure your essay is free of bureaucratic jargon; keep it personal and relatable.