How to Craft Your Essay for the Alice B. Hansen Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

Organize your thoughts by dividing your experiences into four material buckets:

• Background: Consider your upbringing, significant life events, and influences that have shaped your educational journey. What experiences have motivated you to pursue higher education?
• Achievements: Identify key accomplishments in your academic and extracurricular life. Use specific metrics where possible—such as GPA, leadership roles, or community service hours—to demonstrate your commitment and impact.
• The Gap: Reflect on what you currently lack in terms of skills or knowledge and how further education will help you bridge this gap. Be honest about your challenges and articulate your aspirations.
• Personality: Infuse your essay with personal anecdotes that reveal your values, interests, and unique traits. This is your chance to show the committee who you are beyond your academic record.

Structuring Your Outline

With your material organized, create a structured outline. A strong essay typically includes:

1. Introduction: Start with a compelling in-scene moment or anecdote that draws the reader in. Avoid clichés and aim for a specific event that illustrates your journey.
2. Body Paragraphs: Dedicate each paragraph to one of the four buckets. Ensure each section transitions smoothly, maintaining a logical flow. Use the STAR method to frame achievements and challenges, detailing the situation, task, action, and result.
3. Conclusion: Reflect on how the scholarship will impact your future. What commitments are you making to ensure the funding leads to tangible outcomes? Address the “So what?” to leave a lasting impression.

Drafting with Purpose

As you draft, focus on an active voice and specificity. Avoid vague statements and superlatives. Instead, provide concrete examples and measurable outcomes. Each paragraph should serve a clear purpose, contributing to the overall narrative of your essay.

Revision and “So What?”

Once your draft is complete, take a step back and revise with fresh eyes. Look for clarity and coherence. Ask yourself if each section answers the “So what?” question. Ensure that your reflections on experiences and aspirations are meaningful and relevant to the scholarship.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of the following mistakes:

• Avoid starting with generic statements or clichés.
• Steer clear of passive voice; use active constructions to enhance engagement.
• Do not invent facts or embellish your experiences. Authenticity is key.
• Ensure every detail serves a purpose; avoid filler content that does not add value to your essay.