How to Write Your Essay for the Moss Adams Ignite Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

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

• Background: Reflect on your upbringing, education, and experiences that have shaped your perspective. What moments or influences have led you to pursue a career in your chosen field?
• Achievements: Identify significant accomplishments in your academic and extracurricular activities. Use metrics and specific examples to illustrate your contributions and the impact you've made in your community or school.
• The Gap: Acknowledge any gaps in your experience or education that the scholarship will help you address. Clearly articulate why further study is essential for your personal and professional growth.
• Personality: Infuse your essay with personal anecdotes that reveal your values and character. What makes you unique? How do your experiences inform your goals and ambitions?

Creating a Structured Outline

Once you have gathered your material, organize it into a coherent outline. A typical structure might include:

1. Introduction: Start with a compelling moment or scene that encapsulates your journey. Avoid generic statements and dive straight into your narrative.
2. Body Paragraphs: Dedicate each paragraph to a specific theme derived from your four buckets. Ensure each paragraph has a clear focus and flows logically to the next.
3. Conclusion: Reflect on how the scholarship will enable you to achieve your goals. Reinforce your commitment to making a positive impact in your field.

Drafting Voice and Style

As you draft your essay, maintain an active voice and ensure clarity in your writing. Avoid jargon and overly complex sentences. Instead, aim for a conversational yet professional tone that reflects your personality. Each paragraph should focus on one main idea, with transitions that guide the reader through your narrative.

Revision and “So What?” Reflection

After drafting your essay, take a step back and revise with a critical eye. Ask yourself, “So what?” for each section of your essay. What insights have you gained? How do your experiences connect to your future goals? Ensure that your reflections are clear and impactful, demonstrating your readiness for the opportunities the scholarship provides.

Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of common pitfalls that can weaken your essay:

• Avoid clichés and generic statements that do not add value to your narrative.
• Steer clear of vague expressions of passion without evidence; instead, provide specific examples that illustrate your commitment.
• Do not use passive voice when an active subject exists; strive for clarity and engagement in your writing.
• Ensure all facts and experiences shared are accurate and verifiable.