How to Write a Compelling Essay for the Sarah Hall Jordan Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

Gather material for your essay by exploring the following four buckets:

• Background: Reflect on your upbringing, education, and experiences that have shaped your values and aspirations. Consider significant moments that influenced your educational path.
• Achievements: List your accomplishments, focusing on metrics and outcomes. Highlight leadership roles, community service, or academic successes that demonstrate your commitment and capability.
• The Gap: Identify any gaps in your education or experiences that further study will address. Explain how the scholarship will help you bridge these gaps and contribute to your goals.
• Personality: Infuse your essay with personal anecdotes that reveal your character. What drives you? What challenges have you overcome? This will humanize your application and make it memorable.

Creating an Outline

Organize your thoughts into a clear outline. Start with an engaging introduction that draws the reader in with a specific moment or story. Follow with sections that cover each of the four buckets, ensuring that each paragraph focuses on one main idea. Conclude with a strong closing that reinforces your commitment to your goals and the impact you hope to achieve.

Drafting Voice and Style

As you draft your essay, maintain an active voice and specific language. Avoid clichés and vague statements. Instead of saying you are passionate, illustrate that passion with concrete examples. Use the STAR method to structure key achievements: describe the Situation, your Task, the Actions you took, and the Results achieved. This will provide clarity and depth to your narrative.

Revision and “So What?” Reflection

After drafting, take a break before revising. When you return, read through your essay with a critical eye. Ask yourself, “So what?” for each section. Does it convey your growth and aspirations effectively? Ensure that every paragraph contributes to your overall message and that your reflections are clear and impactful.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of these common pitfalls:

• Avoid starting with clichés or generic statements. Instead, open with a specific moment that captures your journey.
• Steer clear of vague language; be precise with your achievements and aspirations.
• Do not invent facts or embellish experiences. Authenticity is key to a compelling narrative.
• Ensure your essay flows logically from one idea to the next, maintaining coherence throughout.