How to Craft Your Essay for the WPS Technical College Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

To create a compelling essay, gather material across four key areas:

• Background: Reflect on your personal journey. What experiences have shaped your educational and career aspirations? Consider family influences, community involvement, or significant life events.
• Achievements: List your accomplishments, focusing on quantifiable outcomes. Have you led a project, improved a process, or received recognition? Use metrics where possible to illustrate your impact.
• The Gap: Identify what you currently lack in your education or experience that this scholarship will help you address. Be specific about your goals and how this funding will bridge that gap.
• Personality: Humanize your essay with personal anecdotes or values that define you. What motivates you? What unique perspectives do you bring to your field of study?

Creating Your Outline

Organize your thoughts into a clear outline. A suggested structure could be:

1. Introduction: Start with a vivid scene or moment that encapsulates your journey or aspirations.
2. Body Paragraphs: Allocate sections for each of the four buckets. Ensure each paragraph focuses on one main idea and transitions logically to the next.
3. Conclusion: Reflect on your journey and articulate your commitment to making a positive impact in your field, emphasizing how the scholarship will facilitate this.

Drafting Voice and Style

When drafting your essay, use an active voice and specific language. Avoid clichés and vague statements. Instead of saying, 'I have always been passionate about technology,' illustrate your passion with a specific project or experience. Remember to answer the question, 'So what?' after each major point to highlight its significance.

Revision and the “So What?” Factor

After drafting, take a break before revising. Look for clarity and coherence in your writing. Ask yourself if each section answers the question of why your experiences matter. Seek feedback from peers or mentors who can provide constructive criticism and help refine your message.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of these common mistakes:

• Avoid starting with generic statements or clichés.
• Do not fabricate experiences or achievements; authenticity is key.
• Steer clear of overly complex language or jargon that may confuse the reader.
• Ensure that each paragraph contributes to your overall narrative and maintains focus on the scholarship’s objectives.