← Back to Scholarship Essay Guides
How to Craft Your Essay for the Terry Masters Memorial Scholarship
By Daur, ScholarshipTop founder and scholarship data reviewer
Reviewed by ScholarshipTop editorial review · Published Apr 14, 2026 · Updated Apr 26, 2026
ScholarshipTop editorial guide. Writing guidance does not guarantee eligibility, selection, or award payment.
Understanding the Prompt
Begin by thoroughly reading the scholarship prompt. Identify what the committee values. Focus on how your experiences, aspirations, and values align with the scholarship's intent to support education costs. This understanding will guide your essay's direction.
Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets
Gather material for your essay by exploring the following four buckets:
- Background: Reflect on your upbringing, education, and experiences that have shaped your perspective. Consider pivotal moments that influenced your academic and personal journey.
- Achievements: List significant accomplishments, focusing on metrics and outcomes. Highlight leadership roles, community service, or projects that demonstrate your commitment and impact.
- The Gap: Identify areas where you seek growth. Explain how this scholarship will help bridge the gap between your current situation and your future goals, emphasizing the importance of further study.
- Personality: Infuse your essay with personal anecdotes that reveal your values and character. Specificity is key; share unique experiences that humanize you and connect with the committee.
Creating an Outline
Match workspace
Find scholarships that fit your profile
Organize your thoughts into a coherent structure. A suggested outline includes:
- Introduction: Start with a concrete moment or scene that captures attention. Avoid generic statements.
- Body Paragraphs: Dedicate each paragraph to one of the four buckets. Use the STAR method to detail your achievements and challenges.
- Conclusion: Reflect on your growth and your commitment to making an impact. Reinforce how the scholarship aligns with your aspirations.
Drafting Voice and Style
Write in an active voice, emphasizing your role in achievements and experiences. Avoid empty superlatives; instead, provide evidence of your claims. Each paragraph should focus on a single idea, ensuring clarity and logical flow. Remember to answer the “So what?” question in each section, reflecting on the significance of your experiences.
Revision and “So What?”
After drafting, take a break before revising. Review your essay for clarity, coherence, and impact. Ensure each section contributes to your overall narrative and answers the prompt effectively. Seek feedback from peers or mentors, focusing on how well your essay communicates your message and engages the reader.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
Steer clear of clichés and vague statements. Avoid using passive voice when an active subject exists. Do not fabricate experiences or achievements; authenticity is crucial. Lastly, ensure your essay adheres to any word limits and submission guidelines provided by the scholarship committee.
FAQ
What is the deadline for the Terry Masters Memorial Scholarship?
How can I make my essay stand out?
What should I focus on in my achievements section?
Related articles
Related scholarships
Browse the full scholarship catalog — filter by deadline, category, and more.
- NEW
International Scholarship Program 2026
Communication and Journalism students can compare this scholarship with a listed award of As scholarship holders of… and a 07.15.26 deadline while planning eligibility fit and required materials.
Best for: Communication and Journalism studentsAs scholarship holders of…
Award Amount
Direct to student
07.15.26
2 days left
07.15.26
2 days left
As scholarship holders of…
Award Amount
Direct to student
- VerifiedNEW
Scholarships for Postgraduate Studies for Yemenis in Jordan
Business Management and Marketing students can compare this scholarship with a listed award of The scholarship covers: T… and a 08.31.26 deadline while planning eligibility fit and required materials.
Best for: Business Management and Marketing studentsRecurringThe scholarship covers: T…
Award Amount
Paid to school
08.31.26
49 days left
08.31.26
49 days left
The scholarship covers: T…
Award Amount
Paid to school
- IMD Switzerland Level/Field of study: Masters in Business Administration (MBA)VerifiedNEW
IMD MBA Leaders Scholarships
Business Management and Marketing students can compare this scholarship with a listed award of IMD MBA Degree Deadline: … and a Sep 30 deadline while planning eligibility fit and required materials.
Best for: Business Management and Marketing studentsIMD MBA Degree Deadline: …
Award Amount
Sep 30
Sep 30
IMD MBA Degree Deadline: …
Award Amount
- Fellows are placed at one of the participating USA universities . Fellows are not able to choose which university they will attend. Rather, they are assigned in diverse groups of 7-15 to the most appropriate host institution based on their area of interest and professional field. Level/Field of study: As a non-degree program, the Fellowship offers valuable opportunities for professional development through selected university courses, attending conferences, networking, and practical work experiences. The eligible program fields are: • Agricultural and Rural Development • Communications/Journalism • Economic Development • Educational Administration, Planning and Policy • Finance and Banking • Higher Education Administration • HIV/AIDS Policy and Prevention • Human Resource Management • Law and Human Rights • Natural Resources, Environmental Policy, and Climate Change • Public Health Policy and Management • Public Policy Analysis and Public Administration • Substance Abuse Education, Treatment and Prevention • Teaching of English as a Foreign Language • Technology Policy and Management • Trafficking in Persons Policy and Prevention • Urban and Regional Planning Number of Awards: Approximately 200 Fellowships are awarded annually.VerifiedNEW
Hubert Humphrey in USA for International Students
Agriculture and Related Sciences students can compare this scholarship with a listed award of Amount Varies and a Oct 1 deadline while planning eligibility fit and required materials.
Best for: Agriculture and Related Sciences studentsRecurringAmount Varies
Award Amount
Paid to school
Oct 1
Annual deadline
Oct 1
Annual deadline
Amount Varies
Award Amount
Paid to school
- Andrew W. Mellon FoundationVerifiedEXPIRED
W. Mellon Foundation Turning the Tide Masters Scholarship
Area Ethnic Cultural and Gender Studies students can compare this scholarship with a listed award of R170 000 total for two ye… and a 10.31.24 deadline while planning eligibility fit and required materials.
Best for: Area Ethnic Cultural and Gender Studies studentsR170 000 total for two ye…
Award Amount
Paid to school
10.31.24
deadline passed
10.31.24
deadline passed
R170 000 total for two ye…
Award Amount
Paid to school