How to Write an Essay for the Brittany Maxwell Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

To create a well-rounded essay, gather material across four key areas:

• Background: Reflect on your personal history. What experiences have shaped your educational journey? Consider family influences, community involvement, or significant challenges you have faced.
• Achievements: List your accomplishments, both academic and extracurricular. Use specific metrics where possible—GPA, awards, leadership positions—to illustrate your impact.
• The Gap: Identify what you lack and how further study at Tallahassee State College will help you bridge that gap. Be honest about your current skills and knowledge while expressing a clear desire to grow.
• Personality: Share humanizing details that reveal your values and character. What motivates you? What are your passions? Use anecdotes that showcase your uniqueness.

Outlining Your Essay

Once you have gathered your material, create an outline to organize your thoughts. A clear structure will guide your writing:

1. Introduction: Start with a concrete moment or scene that captures the reader's attention. Avoid generic statements.
2. Body Paragraphs: Dedicate each paragraph to one of the four buckets. Use a mix of personal stories and achievements, ensuring each section reflects on what you learned and why it matters.
3. Conclusion: Reinforce your commitment to your educational goals and how the scholarship will facilitate your journey. Reflect on your future impact.

Drafting Voice and Style

As you draft your essay, maintain an active voice and be specific. Avoid vague statements about your passions; instead, provide concrete examples that demonstrate your commitment. Each paragraph should focus on one main idea, and transitions should logically connect your thoughts.

Revision and the “So What?” Factor

After completing your draft, take a break before revising. When you return, read through your essay with a critical eye. Ask yourself, “So what?” for each section. Ensure that every paragraph contributes to your overall narrative and reflects your growth and future aspirations.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of the following mistakes:

• Avoid clichés and generic statements. Instead, focus on unique experiences that set you apart.
• Steer clear of passive voice. Use active constructions to convey your achievements and actions.
• Do not fabricate information. Ensure all details are honest and verifiable.