How to Write Your Essay for the Wallace B. Foard, Jr. Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

Organize your thoughts by exploring the four material buckets: background, achievements, gap, and personality.

• Background: Reflect on your life experiences that have shaped your educational journey. What challenges have you faced, and how have they influenced your aspirations?
• Achievements: List your key accomplishments. Include specific metrics or outcomes that demonstrate your impact, such as leadership roles, community service, or academic successes.
• The Gap: Identify what you currently lack in your education or experience and explain how the scholarship will help you bridge that gap. Be clear about your goals and how this opportunity aligns with them.
• Personality: Share personal anecdotes that reveal your values, interests, and motivations. This helps the committee see you as a well-rounded individual rather than just a list of accomplishments.

Outline Your Essay

Creating an outline can help structure your thoughts and ensure a logical flow. Consider the following structure:

1. Introduction: Start with a concrete moment or scene that captures your journey or aspirations. Avoid generic statements.
2. Body Paragraphs: Dedicate each paragraph to one of the four buckets, ensuring each section connects back to your overarching narrative and the scholarship’s values.
3. Conclusion: Reflect on how receiving this scholarship will impact your future and your commitment to making a difference.

Drafting Voice and Style

As you draft your essay, maintain an active voice and focus on specificity. Use clear, direct language that highlights your achievements and aspirations. Avoid clichés and vague statements. Instead, provide concrete examples and reflections that answer the “So what?” question for each major point you make.

Revision & “So What?”

After completing your draft, take a step back and review your work critically. Ask yourself:

• Does each paragraph serve a purpose?
• Have I provided enough detail to support my claims?
• Do I reflect on my experiences and their significance?

Consider seeking feedback from peers or mentors who can provide constructive criticism. Revise your essay to enhance clarity and impact.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of these common mistakes:

• Avoid opening with clichés or generic statements.
• Do not rely on vague expressions of passion without evidence.
• Steer clear of passive voice; always highlight your actions.
• Ensure all facts are accurate and verifiable; do not invent experiences or accolades.