How to Write Your Essay for the Coleman Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

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

• Background: Consider your personal history, influences, and experiences that have shaped your educational aspirations. What unique perspectives do you bring?
• Achievements: Identify significant accomplishments in your academic and extracurricular life. Use specific metrics, such as GPA, leadership roles, or community service hours, to quantify your impact.
• The Gap: Reflect on what you currently lack in your educational journey and how this scholarship will help bridge that gap. Be clear about your goals and the skills or knowledge you wish to acquire.
• Personality: Infuse your essay with personal anecdotes that reveal your character and values. What drives you? What challenges have you overcome?

Creating an Outline

Once you have gathered your material, create a structured outline. Each section of your essay should focus on one main idea, leading the reader through your narrative logically. Consider starting with a compelling in-scene moment that draws the reader in, followed by your background, achievements, the gap, and a conclusion that ties everything together.

Drafting Your Essay

As you draft, maintain an active voice and ensure that each paragraph serves a clear purpose. Begin with a strong opening that captures attention. Throughout your essay, reflect on how your experiences have shaped your goals and aspirations. Remember to answer the “So what?” question—why does your story matter in the context of this scholarship?

Revision and “So What?”

After completing your draft, take time to revise. Look for opportunities to enhance clarity and specificity. Ensure that each section contributes to a cohesive narrative and that you highlight your growth and commitment to making an impact. Ask yourself if your essay answers the key questions: What have you learned? How will this scholarship help you achieve your goals?

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of clichés and vague statements. Avoid phrases like “I have always been passionate about” or “From a young age.” Instead, focus on concrete experiences and specific details. Additionally, steer clear of passive voice and bureaucratic language. Your essay should reflect your unique voice and story.