How to Write Your Essay for the Sara Mayfield Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

Before drafting, gather material for the four key areas that will shape your essay:

• Background: Reflect on your upbringing, education, and experiences that have influenced your path. Consider pivotal moments that shaped your values and aspirations.
• Achievements: Identify significant accomplishments, both academic and extracurricular. Use specific metrics or outcomes to demonstrate your impact, such as projects completed, leadership roles held, or awards received.
• The Gap: Consider what you currently lack in terms of skills or resources that further study can address. Be honest about your needs and articulate how the scholarship will bridge these gaps.
• Personality: Infuse your essay with personal anecdotes and insights that showcase your character. Highlight values that drive you and how they align with your educational goals.

Outlining Your Essay

Structure your essay to ensure clarity and flow. A typical outline might include:

1. Introduction: Start with a specific moment or scene that captures your journey. This will engage the reader and set the tone for your essay.
2. Body Paragraphs: Dedicate each paragraph to one of the four buckets. Use the STAR method to detail achievements and challenges, ensuring each section reflects on what you learned and how it has shaped your goals.
3. Conclusion: Reinforce your commitment to your educational and career aspirations. Reflect on how the scholarship will enable you to contribute positively to your community and field.

Drafting Voice and Style

As you draft your essay, maintain an active voice and specific language. Avoid clichés and vague expressions; instead, focus on delivering clear, concrete examples. Each paragraph should present one main idea, with transitions that guide the reader through your narrative. Reflect on the significance of each experience—answer the “So what?” question to emphasize your growth and future potential.

Revision and “So What?”

After drafting, take a break before revising. This distance will help you view your essay with fresh eyes. Look for clarity, coherence, and engagement. Ensure that every paragraph contributes to your overall narrative and that you have effectively answered the prompt. Ask yourself: does my essay reflect who I am and why I deserve this scholarship?

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

When writing your essay, be cautious of these common mistakes:

• Avoid starting with generic statements or clichés; instead, open with a vivid scene or moment.
• Steer clear of vague language; use specific details and metrics to support your claims.
• Do not invent experiences or exaggerate achievements; authenticity is crucial in scholarship essays.
• Neglecting to reflect on your experiences can weaken your narrative; always connect back to how these moments have shaped you.