Lynda Leggett Moore Memorial Scholarship Essay Guide

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

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

• Background: Reflect on your personal history. Consider family influences, educational experiences, or community involvement that have shaped who you are today.
• Achievements: Identify significant accomplishments in your academic, extracurricular, or professional life. Use specific metrics or outcomes to illustrate your impact.
• The Gap: Assess what you currently lack in your educational journey. Explain why receiving this scholarship is crucial for your academic and career aspirations.
• Personality: Infuse your essay with personal anecdotes that reveal your values, interests, and motivations. This humanizing detail can help the committee connect with you on a personal level.

Crafting Your Outline

Once you have gathered your material, organize it into a coherent outline. Start with a strong opening that captures attention—consider beginning with a specific moment or experience that illustrates your journey. Follow with sections that cover your background, achievements, the gap you wish to fill, and your personality. Conclude with a reflection on how this scholarship will empower you to achieve your goals.

Drafting Voice and Style

As you draft your essay, maintain an active voice and focus on clarity. Avoid clichés and ensure each sentence adds value. Instead of stating your passion for a subject, demonstrate it through specific examples. Remember to answer the “So what?” question in each section, reflecting on how your experiences have shaped your perspective and ambitions.

Revision and “So What?”

After completing your first draft, take a break before revising. Look for areas where you can enhance clarity and impact. Ensure that each paragraph serves a purpose and contributes to your overall narrative. Ask yourself what insights you gained from your experiences and how they relate to your future. This reflective process will strengthen your essay.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of these common mistakes:

• Avoid vague statements and superlatives that lack evidence. Instead, use specific examples to illustrate your points.
• Steer clear of passive voice; always highlight your actions and contributions.
• Do not invent facts or embellish your experiences. Authenticity is key in making a genuine connection with the committee.