How to Craft Your Essay for the Audie & Zera Floyd Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

Organize your thoughts into four key material buckets: Background, Achievements, The Gap, and Personality.

• Background: Reflect on your upbringing, education, and experiences that have shaped who you are today. Consider significant moments that influenced your academic journey.
• Achievements: List any relevant accomplishments, such as academic honors, leadership roles, or community service. Quantify your achievements when possible to provide context.
• The Gap: Identify what you lack in your current education and how this scholarship will help bridge that gap. Be specific about your academic and professional goals.
• Personality: Share personal anecdotes that reveal your values, interests, and motivations. This is your chance to humanize your application.

Creating an Outline

Once you have gathered material from the four buckets, create an outline for your essay. Structure your essay to have a clear introduction, body, and conclusion. Start with a compelling hook that draws the reader in. Each paragraph should focus on a single idea, transitioning smoothly to the next.

Drafting Voice and Style

When drafting your essay, use an active voice to engage the reader. Avoid clichés and vague statements; instead, be specific about your experiences and insights. Show how your past has prepared you for future challenges and how you plan to make an impact.

Revision and the “So What?” Factor

After completing your first draft, take a break before revising. Look for areas where you can deepen your reflections. Ask yourself, “So what?” for each section: What does this experience reveal about me? Why does it matter to the scholarship committee? Ensure that your essay answers these questions clearly.

Pitfalls to Avoid

As you revise, be mindful of common pitfalls. Avoid using passive voice, vague language, or overly complex sentences. Steer clear of clichés that do not add value to your narrative. Lastly, ensure that all information is accurate and verifiable; do not invent facts or embellish your experiences.