Laretta Matthews Garland Scholarship Essay Guide

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

To create a well-rounded essay, gather material across these four categories:

• Background: Reflect on your upbringing, education, and experiences that have shaped your identity. Consider how these elements connect to your current academic and career aspirations.
• Achievements: Identify key accomplishments that demonstrate your skills and commitment. Use specific metrics or examples to illustrate your impact, such as leadership roles, community service, or academic successes.
• The Gap: Acknowledge any areas where you seek growth or knowledge. Explain why further study is essential for your development and how this scholarship will help bridge that gap.
• Personality: Infuse your essay with personal anecdotes that reveal your values and character. This could include challenges you've faced or moments that defined your resolve.

Creating an Outline

Structure your essay logically by organizing your thoughts into a coherent outline. A suggested format includes:

1. Introduction: Start with a vivid scene or moment that encapsulates your journey. Avoid generic statements and aim to engage the reader immediately.
2. Body Paragraphs: Dedicate each paragraph to one of the four buckets. Ensure each section connects back to the scholarship's mission and reflects on what you learned from your experiences.
3. Conclusion: Summarize your key points and reflect on how the scholarship will empower you to achieve your goals. Reinforce your commitment to making a positive impact in your field.

Drafting Voice and Style

As you draft, maintain an active voice and clear, concise language. Avoid clichés and vague expressions of passion. Instead, focus on specific examples and reflections that showcase your journey. Each paragraph should present one clear idea, with transitions that guide the reader through your narrative.

Revision & Reflection: The “So What?” Factor

After drafting, revisit your essay with a critical eye. Ask yourself: What have I learned? How have I changed? Why does this matter to my future? Ensure that each section answers these questions and reinforces your suitability for the scholarship.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

As you finalize your essay, steer clear of the following mistakes:

• Using clichés or generic statements that fail to convey your unique perspective.
• Neglecting to provide specific examples or metrics that demonstrate your achievements.
• Failing to connect your experiences back to the scholarship's purpose and values.
• Overloading your essay with passive voice or bureaucratic language that obscures your message.