How to Write an Essay for the Margarget Manoogian Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

To create a compelling essay, gather material from the following four buckets:

• Background: Reflect on your personal history, including family, culture, and experiences that have influenced your educational path. Consider significant moments that shaped your values and aspirations.
• Achievements: Identify key accomplishments in academics, extracurricular activities, or community service. Use specific metrics or outcomes to illustrate your impact, such as leadership roles, projects completed, or awards received.
• The Gap: Acknowledge any challenges or obstacles you face that this scholarship could help you overcome. Explain how further study at Worcester State University will address these gaps in your education or resources.
• Personality: Humanize your essay with personal anecdotes or reflections that reveal your character. Share what drives you and how your values align with your goals.

Outline Your Essay

Structure your essay logically. A suggested outline could be:

1. Introduction: Start with a concrete moment or scene that illustrates your journey or motivation.
2. Background: Discuss your personal history and formative experiences.
3. Achievements: Highlight your most significant accomplishments and their impact.
4. The Gap: Clearly articulate the challenges you face and how this scholarship will help.
5. Personality: Share personal insights that connect your story to your aspirations.
6. Conclusion: Reflect on the journey ahead and your commitment to making a positive impact.

Drafting Voice and Style

Use an active voice to convey your narrative. Avoid clichés and vague expressions. Instead of saying, "I have always been passionate about education," illustrate your passion with specific examples. Ensure each paragraph focuses on one main idea and transitions smoothly to the next, maintaining a logical flow throughout your essay.

Revision and Reflection: The “So What?” Factor

After drafting, take a step back and evaluate your essay. Ask yourself: What changed in me through this experience? Why does it matter? Ensure that your reflections are clear and tie back to your overall narrative. Seek feedback from peers or mentors, and revise for clarity, coherence, and impact.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of these common mistakes:

• Avoid starting with generic statements or clichés.
• Do not exaggerate or fabricate details about your experiences.
• Steer clear of passive voice; use active verbs to enhance engagement.
• Ensure your essay maintains a clear focus and avoids tangents.