Crafting Your Essay for the TOMORROW X TOGETHER MOA Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

Organize your thoughts into the four material buckets:

• Background: Consider significant experiences that have influenced your education and career path. What pivotal moments have shaped your aspirations?
• Achievements: Identify key accomplishments, both academic and extracurricular. Quantify your impact where possible—think of metrics, leadership roles, or projects that demonstrate your capabilities.
• The Gap: Reflect on what you seek to learn or achieve through further study. What knowledge or skills do you currently lack that this scholarship will help you acquire?
• Personality: Think about your values, interests, and what makes you unique. Include anecdotes that showcase your character and approach to challenges.

Structuring Your Outline

With your brainstorming complete, create an outline that logically flows from one section to the next. Each paragraph should focus on one main idea:

1. Start with a compelling opening that draws the reader in with a specific moment or scene.
2. Follow with your background, linking it to your current goals.
3. Detail your achievements, emphasizing the skills and lessons learned.
4. Discuss the gap in your experience and how this scholarship will bridge it.
5. Conclude with a reflection on your personality and how it drives your commitment to your goals.

Drafting Voice and Style

As you draft, maintain an active voice and ensure clarity. Avoid vague statements and clichés. Instead of saying you are “passionate,” demonstrate your passion through specific examples and experiences. Each paragraph should transition smoothly to the next, reinforcing your narrative.

Revision and the “So What?” Factor

After completing your draft, revisit it with a critical eye. Ask yourself, “So what?” for each section. Make sure every paragraph reflects not just what you did, but why it matters. This reflection will enhance the depth of your essay and clarify your motivations.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of these common mistakes:

• Avoid starting with generic statements or clichés.
• Steer clear of passive voice; always attribute actions to specific subjects.
• Do not fabricate experiences or achievements; authenticity is crucial.
• Ensure your essay is coherent and focused, with each paragraph contributing to your overall narrative.