How to Write a Compelling Essay for the Bank of America II Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

To create a well-rounded essay, brainstorm ideas that fit into these four material buckets:

• Background: Reflect on experiences that have shaped your identity and values. Consider family influences, educational experiences, or community involvement.
• Achievements: Identify key accomplishments that demonstrate your skills and commitment. Use specific metrics or outcomes to illustrate your impact, such as leadership roles, projects completed, or awards received.
• The Gap: Acknowledge what you currently lack in terms of knowledge or experience and explain how further study at the University of West Florida will help you bridge this gap.
• Personality: Infuse your essay with personal details that showcase your character and values. Use anecdotes to make your narrative relatable and engaging.

Creating an Outline

Once you have gathered material from the four buckets, create an outline that organizes your thoughts logically. Start with an engaging opening that sets the scene or presents a pivotal moment in your life. Follow with sections that explore each bucket, ensuring each paragraph has a clear focus. Conclude with a strong statement that ties your experiences and aspirations back to the scholarship's goals.

Drafting Voice and Style

As you draft your essay, maintain an active voice and specific language. Avoid clichés and general statements; instead, provide concrete examples that highlight your journey and growth. Each paragraph should convey one main idea, transitioning smoothly to the next to maintain coherence.

Revision and the “So What?” Factor

After drafting, take time to revise your essay. Ask yourself, “So what?” for each section. What insights or reflections have you gained? Ensure that your essay reflects not only your achievements but also your personal growth and future impact. Seek feedback from peers or mentors to refine your narrative further.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

When writing your essay, steer clear of these common pitfalls:

• Starting with clichés or vague statements.
• Using passive voice or overly complex language.
• Neglecting to connect your personal story to the scholarship’s objectives.
• Failing to provide specific examples or metrics to support your claims.