How to Write Your Essay for the Beverly Nix Coiner Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

To create a compelling essay, gather material across four key areas:

• Background: Reflect on your personal history, including key experiences that have shaped your educational and career aspirations. Consider family, community, or cultural influences.
• Achievements: List significant accomplishments, particularly those related to your studies or community involvement. Use metrics where possible—such as leadership roles, awards, or projects that had a measurable impact.
• The Gap: Identify what you currently lack in your education or experiences that this scholarship will help address. Be specific about how further study will enable you to bridge this gap.
• Personality: Think about what makes you unique. Include details that humanize you, such as hobbies, values, or experiences that reflect your character.

Outlining Your Essay

Once you have gathered your material, create an outline. A strong essay typically follows this structure:

1. Introduction: Start with a concrete moment or anecdote that captures your journey. Avoid generic statements and aim for specificity.
2. Body Paragraphs: Each paragraph should focus on one main idea. Use the STAR method to describe your achievements and challenges. For example, outline a situation, your tasks, the actions you took, and the results you achieved.
3. Conclusion: Reflect on how your experiences have prepared you for future challenges and how this scholarship will help you make a meaningful impact.

Drafting Voice and Style

As you draft your essay, maintain an active voice. Use clear, concise language that reflects your personality. Every section should answer the question, “So what?”—explain why your experiences matter and how they relate to your goals.

Revision and “So What?”

After completing your draft, take a break before revising. Look for areas where you can enhance clarity and impact. Ensure each paragraph transitions smoothly to the next and reinforces your overall narrative. Ask yourself if your essay effectively communicates why you deserve this scholarship.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of the following mistakes:

• Avoid clichés and generic statements. Start with a unique moment that reflects your journey.
• Do not exaggerate or invent facts about your experiences or achievements.
• Steer clear of passive voice; always highlight your actions and contributions.
• Ensure that your essay remains focused on your personal narrative rather than general statements about education or scholarships.