How to Write an Essay for the Thompson Family Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

Organize your thoughts by exploring the four material buckets: background, achievements, gap, and personality.

• Background: Consider significant experiences that have shaped your educational path. What motivated you to pursue your studies at Bunker Hill Community College?
• Achievements: Identify key accomplishments in your academic or extracurricular life. Use metrics or specific outcomes to demonstrate your impact.
• The Gap: Reflect on what you currently lack in your education or experience that this scholarship can help bridge. How does attending Bunker Hill Community College fit into your long-term goals?
• Personality: Think about personal attributes that define you. What values guide your decisions and actions? Include specific anecdotes that illustrate your character.

Creating an Outline

Once you have gathered material from the four buckets, create an outline for your essay. Structure it logically, ensuring each section flows into the next. A possible outline could look like this:

1. Introduction: Start with a compelling moment that illustrates your journey.
2. Background: Discuss your experiences leading to your current educational path.
3. Achievements: Highlight specific accomplishments and their significance.
4. The Gap: Explain what you hope to gain from the scholarship and how it aligns with your goals.
5. Personality: Share personal stories that showcase your values and character.
6. Conclusion: Reinforce your commitment to making a positive impact with the support of the scholarship.

Drafting Voice and Style

When drafting your essay, maintain an active voice. Use specific examples and details to illustrate your points. Avoid clichés and general statements; instead, focus on unique experiences that set you apart. Each paragraph should convey a single idea and transition smoothly to the next, ensuring clarity and coherence.

Revision and Reflection

After completing your draft, take time to revise. Look for opportunities to deepen your reflections—ask yourself, “So what?” for each major point. Ensure that your essay not only presents facts but also conveys the significance of those facts in your life and future. Seek feedback from peers or mentors to gain new perspectives on your writing.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of the following pitfalls while writing your essay:

• Avoid vague statements or empty expressions of passion without evidence.
• Do not use passive voice; ensure your writing is active and engaging.
• Refrain from including invented facts or awards; authenticity is key.
• Steer clear of overly formal or bureaucratic language; keep your tone personal and relatable.