How to Craft Your Essay for the Walter J. Travis Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

Gather material for your essay by exploring the four key buckets: background, achievements, gap, and personality.

• Background: Consider your formative experiences. What events or influences have shaped your educational and career aspirations? Reflect on how these experiences relate to your interest in the Walter J. Travis Society.
• Achievements: List significant accomplishments in academics, extracurricular activities, or community service. Quantify these achievements with metrics, such as leadership roles or projects you've led, to provide concrete evidence of your impact.
• The Gap: Identify areas where further education is necessary for you. What skills or knowledge do you need to reach your goals? Explain how the scholarship will help bridge this gap.
• Personality: Share personal anecdotes that reveal your values, motivations, and character. Use specific examples that illustrate your resilience, creativity, or commitment to your community.

Outlining Your Essay

Create a structured outline based on your brainstorming. Organize your thoughts logically, ensuring each section flows into the next. Start with an engaging opening that draws the reader in, followed by your background, achievements, gap, and personality. Conclude with a strong statement about your future goals and how this scholarship will help you achieve them.

Drafting Voice and Style

When drafting your essay, use an active voice and maintain clarity throughout. Avoid bureaucratic language and focus on specific details that showcase your individuality. Start with a compelling scene or moment that illustrates your journey, rather than a generic thesis statement. Ensure every paragraph conveys a clear idea and contributes to your overall message.

Revision & “So What?”

After drafting, take a break before revising. Read your essay with fresh eyes, looking for areas that need clarification or strengthening. Ask yourself, “So what?” for each section: what does this reveal about you, and why is it significant? Ensure that your reflections connect your experiences to your aspirations and the scholarship's values.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Avoid clichés and vague statements that lack evidence. Do not use passive voice when an active subject exists. Ensure every claim you make is backed by specific examples and metrics. Finally, steer clear of any fabricated facts or experiences; authenticity is crucial in making a genuine connection with the committee.