How to Write Your Essay for the Charles Tartaglia Family Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Material Buckets

Organize your thoughts by exploring the four key material buckets:

• Background: Consider your personal history, experiences, and influences that have shaped who you are. Think about significant moments or challenges that have impacted your educational journey.
• Achievements: Identify key accomplishments in your academic and extracurricular activities. Use specific metrics or outcomes to illustrate your contributions, such as leadership roles, projects, or community service.
• The Gap: Reflect on what you lack in your current education and how further study will bridge that gap. Discuss the skills or knowledge you aim to acquire through your studies at Massasoit Community College.
• Personality: Infuse your essay with personal details that showcase your values and character. This could include anecdotes that highlight your resilience, creativity, or commitment to your goals.

Outlining Your Essay

Once you have gathered your material, create an outline to structure your essay. A clear outline will help you maintain focus and ensure a logical flow. Consider the following structure:

1. Introduction: Start with a concrete moment or scene that illustrates your journey or motivation.
2. Background: Describe your background and the experiences that have shaped you.
3. Achievements: Highlight your significant accomplishments and their impact.
4. The Gap: Discuss your educational goals and how the scholarship will help you achieve them.
5. Personality: Share personal anecdotes that reflect your values and character.
6. Conclusion: Reflect on your journey and express gratitude for the opportunity to apply.

Drafting Voice and Style

As you draft your essay, use an active voice and keep your language clear and precise. Avoid clichés and vague statements. Instead, focus on specific examples that demonstrate your points. Remember to answer the “So what?” question in each section—reflect on what you learned and why it matters.

Revision and “So What?”

After drafting, take a break before revising. This will give you a fresh perspective. During revision, check for clarity, coherence, and engagement. Ensure that each paragraph serves a purpose and contributes to your overall narrative. Ask yourself if your essay answers the prompt and reflects your unique voice.

Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of common pitfalls in scholarship essays:

• Avoid starting with generic statements or clichés.
• Do not exaggerate or fabricate experiences; authenticity is crucial.
• Steer clear of overly complex language; simplicity and clarity are more impactful.
• Refrain from passive voice; keep your writing active and engaging.