Crafting Your Essay for the Midwestern Region Korean American Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

Gather material for your essay by reflecting on the following four buckets:

• Background: Identify key experiences that shaped your identity as a Korean American. Consider family influences, cultural heritage, and significant events in your life.
• Achievements: List your accomplishments, focusing on those that demonstrate leadership, academic success, or community involvement. Use specific metrics, such as awards received, projects led, or volunteer hours logged.
• The Gap: Reflect on areas where you seek growth. What knowledge or skills do you lack that further education will help you acquire? Be honest about your aspirations and how this scholarship will bridge that gap.
• Personality: Think about what makes you unique. Consider values, interests, and experiences that humanize you and connect you to the scholarship’s mission.

Outlining Your Essay

Create a clear outline based on your gathered material. Organize your thoughts logically, ensuring each section transitions smoothly to the next. A suggested structure could be:

1. Introduction: Start with a concrete moment that illustrates your journey.
2. Background: Discuss your cultural heritage and formative experiences.
3. Achievements: Highlight key accomplishments and their impact.
4. The Gap: Explain what you hope to achieve through further study.
5. Conclusion: Reflect on your commitment to making a difference and how this scholarship aligns with your goals.

Drafting Voice and Style

As you draft, maintain an active voice. Use specific examples and details to illustrate your points. Avoid clichés and vague expressions of passion. Instead, focus on tangible experiences that showcase your dedication and potential impact.

Revision & “So What?”

After drafting, take a step back and assess your essay. Ask yourself, “So what?” for each section. Ensure that every paragraph answers this question, demonstrating why your experiences and aspirations matter in the context of the scholarship.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of the following common mistakes:

• Avoid generic statements that lack personal connection.
• Steer clear of passive voice; always highlight your role in achievements.
• Don’t fabricate details or embellish experiences; authenticity is key.
• Refrain from using overly complex language; clarity is more impactful.