How to Craft Your Essay for the Bank of America Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

Organizing your thoughts into four material buckets can help you structure your essay effectively:

• Background: Identify key experiences that shaped your perspective. Consider family influences, educational experiences, or community involvement.
• Achievements: List your accomplishments, focusing on quantifiable results. Use metrics to illustrate your impact, such as leadership roles or projects you initiated.
• The Gap: Reflect on what you currently lack in your education and how the Bank of America Scholarship can help bridge that gap. Be specific about your future goals and how this scholarship fits into them.
• Personality: Share personal anecdotes that reveal your values and character. This adds a human touch to your application and helps the committee connect with you.

Outline Your Essay

Creating an outline can streamline your writing process. Aim for a clear structure:

1. Introduction: Start with a concrete moment or scene that captures your journey. Avoid generic statements and aim for specificity.
2. Body Paragraphs: Dedicate each paragraph to one of the four buckets. Ensure each paragraph transitions smoothly to the next, maintaining a logical flow.
3. Conclusion: Reflect on your growth and the impact you hope to make in the future. Answer the “So what?” question to emphasize the significance of your experiences and aspirations.

Drafting Voice

As you draft, use an active voice to convey your experiences and intentions. Avoid bureaucratic language and focus on clarity. Each sentence should serve a purpose, contributing to the overall narrative of your essay.

Revision and “So What?”

After drafting, take a break before revising. When you return, read your essay with fresh eyes. Look for areas where you can deepen your reflections or clarify your intentions. Make sure each section answers the “So what?” question, emphasizing why your experiences matter.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of these common mistakes:

• Avoid clichés and vague statements that lack evidence.
• Do not use passive voice when an active subject exists.
• Steer clear of heavy bureaucratic phrasing without clear actors.
• Never invent facts or embellish your experiences; authenticity is key.