How to Write Your Essay for the MG Benjamin J. Butler Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

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

• Background: Reflect on your personal history, including family, education, and formative experiences. What shaped your values and aspirations?
• Achievements: Identify specific accomplishments that demonstrate your skills and leadership. Use metrics or outcomes to quantify your impact, such as projects completed, community service hours, or leadership roles held.
• The Gap: Consider what you hope to achieve through further study. What skills or knowledge do you lack that this scholarship could help you acquire?
• Personality: Infuse your essay with personal details that reveal your character. What are your passions, values, and what motivates you to pursue your goals?

Structuring Your Essay

Organize your thoughts into a clear outline. Each paragraph should focus on a single idea, progressing logically from one to the next. Start with a strong opening that draws the reader in with a specific moment or experience rather than a general statement. This approach will set the tone for your narrative.

Drafting Voice and Style

When drafting, use an active voice and maintain a reflective tone. Share insights about what you learned from your experiences and how they have shaped your future goals. Avoid clichés and strive for specificity in your language. Instead of saying you are passionate about a cause, illustrate that passion through a concrete example.

Revision and “So What?”

After drafting, take time to revise your essay. Ask yourself, “So what?” for each section. Does it convey your growth, insights, and future aspirations clearly? Ensure that every paragraph contributes to your overall narrative and reinforces your qualifications for the scholarship.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of several common mistakes:

• Avoid vague language and superlatives without evidence.
• Steer clear of passive constructions; always identify the actor in your sentences.
• Do not fabricate details or use generic statements that do not reflect your unique experiences.
• Ensure your essay is cohesive, with each section logically leading to the next.