How to Write an Essay for the Bank of Colorado Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

To create a compelling essay, gather material across four key areas:

• Background: Reflect on your life experiences that have shaped your educational journey. Consider family influences, community involvement, or significant challenges you've faced.
• Achievements: Identify specific accomplishments that demonstrate your skills and dedication. Use metrics where possible, such as leadership roles, academic honors, or community service hours.
• The Gap: Clearly articulate what you need to achieve your goals and why further study at Morgan Community College is essential. Explain how the scholarship will bridge this gap.
• Personality: Infuse your essay with personal anecdotes that reveal your character and values. This could include moments of insight, resilience, or motivation.

Creating an Outline

Structure your essay to ensure clarity and logical flow. A suggested outline includes:

1. Introduction: Start with a vivid moment or scene that encapsulates your journey. Avoid generic statements.
2. Background: Discuss your formative experiences and their impact on your educational aspirations.
3. Achievements: Highlight key accomplishments, using the STAR method to detail the situation, task, action, and result.
4. The Gap: Explain what you need to progress and how the scholarship will help.
5. Personality: Share a personal story that illustrates your commitment and character.
6. Conclusion: Reflect on your journey and express gratitude for the opportunity to apply.

Drafting Voice and Style

Use an active voice and specific language throughout your essay. Focus on concrete details and avoid vague statements. Each paragraph should center around one main idea, ensuring that your narrative flows logically from one section to the next. Remember to reflect on the significance of your experiences—answer the “So what?” question to provide depth.

Revision & “So What?”

After drafting, take a step back and review your essay. Ensure that each section contributes to a coherent narrative that showcases your qualifications. Ask yourself if your reflections are clear and if they effectively illustrate your journey. Consider seeking feedback from trusted mentors or peers to gain perspective.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of these common mistakes:

• Avoid clichés in your opening. Instead of starting with generic phrases, use a specific moment that draws the reader in.
• Don’t exaggerate or invent details about your experiences. Authenticity is crucial.
• Steer clear of passive voice; make sure your actions are clear and impactful.
• Ensure your essay is free from jargon or overly complex language that may obscure your message.