Bank America Dream Makers Scholarship Essay Guide

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

To create a well-rounded essay, gather material from the following four buckets:

• Background: Reflect on your upbringing, cultural influences, and any pivotal moments that have shaped your educational journey. Consider how these experiences motivate you to pursue higher education.
• Achievements: List specific accomplishments, such as academic honors, leadership roles, or community service projects. Quantify your achievements when possible, using numbers or specific outcomes to illustrate your impact.
• The Gap: Identify any gaps in your education or skills that you hope to address through your studies. Explain why this scholarship is vital for your academic and career goals.
• Personality: Humanize your essay by sharing personal anecdotes or values that define you. This can include your passions, interests, or challenges you've overcome.

Creating an Outline

Once you have gathered material from the four buckets, outline your essay. A clear structure will help you stay focused and ensure that each paragraph serves a purpose. Consider using the following structure:

1. Introduction: Start with a compelling moment or scene that draws the reader in. Avoid generic statements and instead focus on a specific experience that reflects your journey.
2. Body Paragraphs: Organize your paragraphs by theme. Each paragraph should focus on one idea, such as your background, achievements, or gap in education. Use the STAR method to detail your experiences, highlighting the situation, task, action, and result.
3. Conclusion: Reflect on your journey and articulate how the scholarship will help you achieve your future goals. Emphasize the significance of this opportunity and your commitment to making a positive impact.

Drafting Voice and Style

Your writing should be active and engaging. Use specific examples to illustrate your points and avoid vague language. Ensure that your voice reflects your personality while maintaining a professional tone. As you draft, continually ask yourself, “So what?” to ensure that each section adds value to your narrative.

Revision and “So What?”

After completing your first draft, take a break before revising. Read your essay with fresh eyes, focusing on clarity and coherence. Check for logical flow between paragraphs and ensure that each section answers the question of why your experiences matter. Seek feedback from peers or mentors to gain different perspectives.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of the following pitfalls:

• Avoid clichés and generic statements that do not add to your narrative.
• Do not rely on vague expressions of passion without evidence.
• Steer clear of passive voice; use active voice to convey your actions and decisions.
• Ensure all facts and figures are accurate and verifiable; do not fabricate experiences or achievements.