How to Write a Winning Essay for the Mikkelson Foundation Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

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

• Background: Reflect on your personal history and experiences that have shaped who you are today. Consider significant moments, challenges, or influences that have guided your educational path.
• Achievements: Identify specific accomplishments that demonstrate your capabilities and commitment to your studies. Use metrics, such as grades, projects, or leadership roles, to quantify your success.
• The Gap: Acknowledge any gaps in your experience or knowledge that further education will help you address. Be honest about what you seek to achieve through this scholarship.
• Personality: Infuse your essay with personal details that showcase your values, interests, and motivations. This humanizes your application and allows the committee to connect with you on a deeper level.

Outlining Your Essay

Once you have gathered your material, create an outline to organize your thoughts. A typical structure might include:

1. Introduction: Start with a concrete moment or scene that highlights your journey. Avoid generic statements and instead draw the reader in with a vivid description.
2. Body Paragraphs: Each paragraph should focus on one key idea. For example, you might have one paragraph discussing your background, another on your achievements, and a third on your aspirations.
3. Conclusion: Reflect on what you have learned from your experiences and how they have prepared you for the future. Reiterate the importance of the scholarship in achieving your goals.

Drafting Voice and Style

As you draft your essay, maintain an active voice and use specific details to bring your narrative to life. Avoid clichés and vague expressions of passion; instead, provide evidence of your commitment and drive through concrete examples. Each section should answer the question, “So what?” by explaining why your experiences matter and how they shape your future.

Revision & “So What?”

After completing your draft, take a break before revising. This will help you approach your work with fresh eyes. Ensure that each paragraph contributes to a coherent narrative and reflects your unique voice. Ask yourself, “Does this section answer the prompt and connect to my overarching message?”

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of several common mistakes:

• Avoid starting with clichés or generic statements. Your opening should be engaging and unique.
• Ensure that all claims are backed by specific examples or metrics. Empty passion without proof does not resonate.
• Steer clear of passive voice and bureaucratic language. Use active voice to create a more dynamic essay.
• Do not invent facts or embellish your experiences. Authenticity is key to a compelling narrative.