- **Start by Brainstorming:** Before you start writing, think creatively and freely about how to write the essay and what to include. Techniques: mind mapping, lists, stream of consciousness, Tweet-style 280 characters or less. - **Know Your Story Arc:** "brilliant entrepreneur who started her own successful business,” "talented athlete who wants to study economics and finance as they pertain to sports", "avid baker whose hobby sparked an interest in chemistry.“ - **Craft a Compelling Introduction:** Start with a hook— this could be a striking quote, thought-provoking question, or vivid anecdote. Then, provide context o introduce the main theme. End with a clear thesis statement that outlines what your essay will cover. - **Jump Into the Action:** Avoid lengthy introductions or AP English essay setups that reiterate the prompt. Instead, allow context to emerge naturally and intrigue readers as they piece together your background and motivations. Think of how TV series or movies introduce characters. - **Narrative, Not Exposition:** Don’t write structured, predictable exposition you learned in your English class. Tell a compelling story with vivid scenes with you as protagonist. - **Show, Don’t Tell:** Don’t just say, “I persevered” or “I’m a creative thinker.” Illustrate it through storytelling. - **Tailor to the Prompt and Committee:** Curate your response to what the prompt asks and what values and mission the scholarship committee stands for. This means researching more about the scholarship and corresponding committee. - **Answering “Why This \[School/Opportunity]?”**: The secret is that this essay is actually about _you._ Why are _you_ a good fit? - Show how they will benefit you, why it's a fit and better for you than other schools, and why you will thrive and achieve more there than elsewhere. What about you makes you want to go to that school? How will you be better if you go there? How will the school be better if they have _you_? - Schools don’t just want a diverse, motivated student body— not just the same identical people with perfect stats. - This requires you to research the school/opportunity. - **Unique Authenticity:** Tell your story in such a way that no one else can simply replace your name. - **Avoid Clichés:** “Ever since I was a child…”, “Education is the key to success.” - **Turn “Weaknesses” into Strengths:** - Gaps in résumé: “Taking time off to care for my disabled parent gave me empathy that fuels my passion for social work.” - Career change: “My years in finance showed me how systemic inequality impacts wealth gaps.” - **End Gracefully:** Aim to leave a lasting emotional impression rather than stopping abruptly or simply summarizing. Leave the reader with an emotional echo, lingering thought, or lasting image. You want them to remember you, to feel emotionally impacted and possibly even wanting more. - **Avoid Simply Rehashing:** Don’t follow the common five paragraph essay advice: “Tell them what your three points will be. Tell them your three points. Tell them what your three points were.” It’s redundant. - **Use a Callback:** Briefly return to a key image, idea or anecdote from your essay to create satisfying narrative closure. - **Reflect Personally**: Share a concise, meaningful insight about your growth, motivations, or why your story matters to you.