How to Craft Your Essay for the Bank of America Endowed Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

Organize your thoughts into four material buckets to build a comprehensive narrative:

• Background: Reflect on your personal history, including family, education, and experiences that have shaped your values and aspirations.
• Achievements: Identify significant accomplishments in academics, extracurricular activities, or community service. Use metrics where possible—such as leadership roles, project outcomes, or awards—to illustrate your impact.
• The Gap: Consider what you lack in your current academic journey and how the scholarship will help bridge that gap. Be specific about your educational goals and how this scholarship aligns with them.
• Personality: Infuse your essay with humanizing details that reflect your character, values, and motivations. This could include anecdotes that highlight your resilience, creativity, or determination.

Creating an Outline

Develop a clear outline to structure your essay effectively. Start with an engaging introduction that sets the scene or presents a pivotal moment in your life. Follow with paragraphs dedicated to each of the four material buckets:

1. Introduction: Open with a concrete moment or experience.
2. Background: Discuss your formative experiences.
3. Achievements: Highlight key accomplishments and their significance.
4. The Gap: Explain your educational aspirations and the role of the scholarship.
5. Personality: Share insights about your character and values.
6. Conclusion: Reflect on your journey and express gratitude for the opportunity.

Drafting Voice and Tone

When drafting your essay, maintain an active voice and ensure clarity in your writing. Avoid clichés and vague statements. Instead, focus on specific examples and reflections that demonstrate your growth and commitment to your goals. Each paragraph should convey a single idea, with logical transitions that guide the reader through your narrative.

Revision and “So What?”

After completing your draft, take a step back and revise for clarity, coherence, and impact. Ask yourself, “So what?” for each major point. Ensure that your reflections highlight not just what you have done, but also how those experiences have shaped your future aspirations. Seek feedback from peers or mentors to gain new perspectives on your essay.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of common mistakes that can detract from your essay's effectiveness:

• Avoid starting with clichéd phrases or general statements.
• Steer clear of vague expressions of passion without evidence.
• Do not rely on passive voice; always attribute actions clearly.
• Ensure all facts and experiences are genuine and verifiable.