How to Craft Your Essay for the Ohio Desk/Don Pilch Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Material Buckets

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

• Background: Reflect on experiences that have shaped your educational journey. Consider family influences, community involvement, or challenges you've overcome.
• Achievements: Identify significant accomplishments, whether academic, professional, or extracurricular. Use metrics and specific examples to demonstrate your contributions and impact.
• The Gap: Clearly articulate what you currently lack in your education and how this scholarship will help you bridge that gap. Explain why further study at Cuyahoga Community College is essential for your goals.
• Personality: Include humanizing details that showcase your values, interests, and unique perspective. This could be a personal story or a moment that reflects your character.

Creating an Outline

Once you've gathered material from the four buckets, create a structured outline. Each section of your essay should focus on one main idea, allowing for a clear progression of thought. A possible structure could be:

1. Introduction: Start with a concrete moment or scene that draws the reader in.
2. Background: Discuss your formative experiences and how they led you to pursue further education.
3. Achievements: Highlight key accomplishments, using specific examples and metrics.
4. The Gap: Explain what you need to achieve your goals and how this scholarship will support you.
5. Personality: Share insights into your character and values, reinforcing your commitment to your future.
6. Conclusion: Reflect on the significance of this scholarship in your educational journey and future aspirations.

Drafting Voice and Style

As you draft your essay, aim for an active voice that engages the reader. Use specific language and details to paint a vivid picture of your experiences and aspirations. Avoid clichés and generalizations; instead, focus on what makes your story unique. Remember to answer the “So what?” question in each section, reflecting on how your experiences have shaped you and your goals.

Revision and “So What?”

After drafting your essay, take a break before revising. Read your essay with fresh eyes, checking for clarity, coherence, and impact. Ensure that each paragraph contributes to the overall narrative and answers the question of why your experiences matter. Seek feedback from trusted peers or mentors, and be open to constructive criticism.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of common pitfalls that can weaken your essay:

• Avoid vague language and superlatives that lack evidence. Instead, provide concrete examples and metrics.
• Steer clear of clichés and generic statements; make your narrative personal and specific.
• Do not use passive voice when an active subject exists; this will make your writing more engaging.
• Ensure that all facts and experiences you present are honest and verifiable.