How to Craft Your Essay for the AAWCC Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

Organize your thoughts using the four material buckets:

• Background: Reflect on experiences that have shaped you. Consider family influences, educational experiences, or community involvement that sparked your interest in furthering your education.
• Achievements: Identify key accomplishments that demonstrate your skills and determination. Use specific metrics or outcomes, such as leadership roles, projects completed, or community service hours.
• The Gap: Recognize what you currently lack in terms of education or resources. Be clear about how this scholarship will help bridge that gap and facilitate your academic journey.
• Personality: Infuse your essay with personal details that showcase your values and character. This could include anecdotes that reveal your resilience, empathy, or commitment to your community.

Creating an Outline

Structure your essay logically. A suggested outline could be:

1. Introduction: Start with a compelling scene or moment that encapsulates your journey.
2. Background: Discuss your formative experiences and their impact on your educational goals.
3. Achievements: Highlight specific accomplishments and their significance.
4. The Gap: Explain what you need to succeed and how the scholarship will help.
5. Personality: Share personal anecdotes that reveal your character and values.
6. Conclusion: Reflect on your aspirations and the broader impact of receiving the scholarship.

Drafting Voice and Style

As you draft your essay, maintain an active voice and be specific. Avoid clichés and vague statements. Instead of saying you are “passionate,” illustrate your passion through actions and experiences. Each paragraph should focus on a single idea, ensuring clarity and coherence throughout your essay.

Revision and “So What?”

After drafting, take time to revise. Ask yourself: “So what?” for each section. What does this reveal about you? How does it connect to your goals? Ensure that your essay not only tells your story but also reflects your commitment to making a positive impact in your community.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of these common mistakes:

• Using vague language or superlatives without evidence.
• Falling back on clichés or generic statements.
• Neglecting to connect your personal experiences to the scholarship’s goals.
• Overlooking the importance of proofreading for grammar and clarity.