How to Write an Essay for the Maxine Black Endowed Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

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

• Background: Consider your personal history, including your upbringing, education, and any experiences that have shaped your goals. What challenges have you faced, and what lessons have you learned?
• Achievements: List your accomplishments, both academic and extracurricular. Use specific metrics and outcomes to demonstrate your impact. For example, if you led a project, describe the results and your role in achieving them.
• The Gap: Identify what you currently lack in terms of skills, knowledge, or resources that this scholarship will help you address. Explain why further education is essential for your personal and professional growth.
• Personality: Highlight aspects of your character that make you a strong candidate. What values drive you? Include anecdotes that illustrate your resilience, leadership, or commitment to your community.

Creating an Outline

Organize your thoughts into a clear outline. Each section should focus on one main idea. A suggested structure might include:

1. Introduction: Open with a compelling moment or story that captures your journey.
2. Background: Discuss your formative experiences.
3. Achievements: Highlight key accomplishments.
4. The Gap: Explain your educational needs.
5. Personality: Share personal anecdotes that reveal your character.
6. Conclusion: Reflect on how the scholarship will help you achieve your future goals.

Drafting Voice and Style

As you draft your essay, aim for an active voice that engages the reader. Avoid clichés and general statements. Instead, focus on specific examples that illustrate your points. Each paragraph should flow logically to the next, maintaining a coherent narrative throughout.

Revision and the “So What?” Factor

After drafting, take a step back and revise your essay. Ask yourself, “So what?” for each section. Ensure that every paragraph reflects not only what you have done but also why it matters. This reflection will deepen the impact of your writing and connect your experiences to your future aspirations.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of these common mistakes:

• Avoid vague statements and empty superlatives. Be specific about your experiences and achievements.
• Do not rely on passive voice; keep your writing active and engaging.
• Steer clear of bureaucratic language that lacks personal connection.
• Finally, ensure that all information presented is accurate and verifiable—do not invent details.