How to Write Your Essay for the First Generation Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

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

• Background: Consider your upbringing, family circumstances, and any challenges you've faced. What experiences shaped your educational journey?
• Achievements: Identify key accomplishments, whether academic, extracurricular, or community-related. Use metrics and specific examples to illustrate your impact.
• The Gap: Reflect on what you currently lack in terms of education or resources and how this scholarship will help bridge that gap.
• Personality: Think about your values, passions, and what makes you unique. Include anecdotes that reveal your character and motivations.

Creating an Outline

Once you have gathered your material, create a structured outline for your essay. This should include:

1. Introduction: Start with an engaging moment or story that captures your journey. Avoid generic statements.
2. Body Paragraphs: Dedicate each paragraph to a specific theme or bucket. Ensure that each section transitions smoothly and builds on the previous one.
3. Conclusion: Reflect on your growth and how the scholarship will enable you to make a broader impact in your community.

Drafting Voice and Style

As you draft, maintain an active voice and focus on clarity. Use specific details and metrics to support your claims. Each paragraph should center around one idea, with logical transitions that guide the reader through your narrative. Remember to reflect on the significance of each experience—answer the “So what?” question throughout your essay.

Revision and “So What?”

After completing your draft, take a break before revising. Read your essay with fresh eyes, checking for coherence, clarity, and engagement. Ensure that each section contributes to a compelling narrative. Ask yourself what insights you gained from your experiences and how they will inform your future. This reflection is crucial in demonstrating your commitment to making a difference.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of common mistakes that can weaken your essay:

• Avoid clichés and generic phrases that do not add value to your narrative.
• Steer clear of vague statements about passion without concrete examples.
• Do not rely on passive voice; instead, emphasize your actions and contributions.
• Ensure all facts and experiences are authentic and verifiable.