Deanna Supercinski Janna Walker Scholarship Essay Guide

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

Organize your thoughts using the four material buckets:

• Background: Reflect on your upbringing, education, and experiences that have shaped your aspirations. Consider significant moments that influenced your decision to pursue higher education.
• Achievements: List specific accomplishments, focusing on metrics and outcomes. Highlight leadership roles, academic successes, or community involvement that demonstrate your commitment and capability.
• The Gap: Identify areas where you seek growth through further study. Explain why this scholarship is crucial for bridging that gap and how it will facilitate your educational journey.
• Personality: Share humanizing details that reveal your values, interests, and motivations. Use anecdotes to illustrate your character and how it aligns with your educational goals.

Creating an Outline

Structure your essay with a clear outline. Start with an engaging opening that draws the reader in. Each section should flow logically into the next, ensuring coherence. For example:

1. Introduction: Begin with a compelling moment or anecdote that encapsulates your journey.
2. Background: Discuss formative experiences that shaped your educational aspirations.
3. Achievements: Highlight key accomplishments and their impact on your growth.
4. The Gap: Explain your current educational needs and how the scholarship will help you.
5. Personality: Conclude with reflections on your values and future goals, tying them back to the scholarship's mission.

Drafting Your Essay

As you draft, maintain an active voice and focus on specificity. Avoid vague statements and ensure each paragraph centers on a single idea. Use concrete details, such as numbers or timeframes, to support your claims. Remember to reflect on your experiences—what changed in you, and why does it matter? This reflection will strengthen your narrative.

Revision and “So What?”

After drafting, revise with a critical eye. Ensure that each section answers the question, “So what?”—why does your experience matter to the scholarship committee? Seek feedback from peers or mentors to gain new perspectives. Look for clarity, coherence, and impact in your writing.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of common pitfalls in scholarship essays:

• Avoid clichés and generic statements that do not add value to your narrative.
• Steer clear of passive voice; always highlight your actions and contributions.
• Do not fabricate experiences or achievements; authenticity is key.