How to Write a Winning Essay for the Gilman Montgomery French Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

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

• Background: Reflect on your personal history, including your connection to the Society of Mayflower Descendants. Consider experiences that shaped your identity and values.
• Achievements: Identify significant accomplishments in your academic, extracurricular, or community involvement. Use specific metrics or outcomes to illustrate your impact.
• The Gap: Assess what you currently lack in your education and how further study will bridge that gap. Clearly articulate why this scholarship is essential for your academic journey.
• Personality: Infuse your essay with personal anecdotes that reveal your character, values, and aspirations. Specific details will help the committee connect with you as an individual.

Creating an Outline

Structure your essay to ensure clarity and cohesion. A suggested outline includes:

1. Introduction: Start with an engaging moment or anecdote that draws the reader in.
2. Background: Briefly share your history and connection to the Society of Mayflower Descendants.
3. Achievements: Highlight key accomplishments that demonstrate your readiness for further study.
4. The Gap: Discuss your educational goals and how the scholarship will help you achieve them.
5. Personality: Conclude with reflections on your journey and your commitment to making an impact.

Drafting Voice and Style

When drafting your essay, maintain an active voice and focus on clarity. Avoid clichés and vague statements. Instead of saying you are passionate about a subject, provide specific examples of how that passion has driven your actions and decisions. Each paragraph should center around one main idea, with transitions that logically connect your thoughts.

Revision and the “So What?” Factor

After drafting, take a step back and review your work. Ask yourself, “So what?” for each section. What insights or reflections do you offer that demonstrate your growth or commitment? Ensure that your essay not only tells your story but also highlights its significance. Solicit feedback from peers or mentors to gain different perspectives.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of these common mistakes:

• Starting with cliché phrases or generic statements.
• Failing to provide specific examples or metrics to support your claims.
• Neglecting to connect your personal narrative to the scholarship’s goals.
• Using passive voice or overly complex language that obscures your message.