Crafting Your Essay for the Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company Foundation Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

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

• Background: Consider experiences that have shaped your academic journey and personal development. Reflect on your family, community, or significant events that influenced your education.
• Achievements: Identify specific accomplishments that demonstrate your skills and dedication. Quantify your achievements with metrics where possible, such as grades, projects, or leadership roles.
• The Gap: Reflect on what you currently lack in your education or skills and how this scholarship will help bridge that gap. Be specific about your educational aspirations and how they relate to your future goals.
• Personality: Include humanizing details that showcase your values, interests, and character. Think about anecdotes that reveal your resilience, commitment, or passion.

Outline Your Essay

Create a structured outline based on your gathered material. Organize your thoughts into a coherent flow:

1. Introduction: Start with a concrete moment or scene that captures your journey or motivation. Avoid generic statements.
2. Body Paragraphs: Dedicate each paragraph to one of the four buckets. Use the STAR method to detail specific situations, tasks, actions, and results that highlight your achievements and background.
3. Conclusion: Reflect on how the scholarship will impact your educational journey and future. Reiterate your commitment to making a positive impact in your community or field.

Drafting Voice and Style

When drafting your essay, use an active voice and be specific. Avoid vague language and clichés. Instead of saying you are passionate, demonstrate this through your experiences and aspirations. Ensure each paragraph transitions logically to the next, maintaining a clear narrative flow.

Revision and “So What?”

After completing your draft, take a step back and review your work. Ask yourself, “So what?” for each major point. Ensure that every section reflects not only what you have done but also why it matters. Seek feedback from peers or mentors to gain perspective on clarity and impact.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of these common mistakes:

• Avoid starting with clichés or overused phrases. Instead, engage the reader with a unique opening.
• Steer clear of vague statements about passion without supporting evidence. Show, don’t tell.
• Do not use passive voice when an active subject exists. Keep your writing dynamic and engaging.
• Ensure all information is truthful and relevant to your experiences. Do not invent facts or embellish achievements.