How to Craft Your Essay for the Matt Fong AAPF Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

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

• Background: Reflect on your cultural heritage, family influences, and significant life experiences that have shaped your identity. Consider moments that highlight challenges or triumphs.
• Achievements: Identify key accomplishments in academics, extracurricular activities, or community service. Quantify your achievements where possible—mention awards, leadership roles, or initiatives you led.
• The Gap: Articulate what you currently lack in your educational journey. This could be financial resources, specific skills, or opportunities. Explain how the scholarship will bridge this gap and enable your future success.
• Personality: Infuse your essay with personal anecdotes that showcase your values, motivations, and character. Specific stories can humanize your application and make it memorable.

Outline Your Essay

Creating a structured outline is crucial. Consider the following format:

1. Introduction: Start with a concrete moment or scene that captures your essence. Avoid generic statements.
2. Body Paragraphs: Dedicate each paragraph to one of the four material buckets. Use the STAR method to detail specific situations, tasks, actions, and results for your achievements and challenges.
3. Conclusion: Reflect on how your past experiences and future aspirations align with the scholarship’s objectives. Emphasize your commitment to making a positive impact.

Drafting Voice and Style

As you draft, prioritize an active voice and specific language. Instead of saying, “I was involved in a community project,” specify, “I led a team of five volunteers to organize a food drive that collected over 1,000 pounds of food.” This specificity not only illustrates your involvement but also demonstrates your leadership skills.

Revision and the “So What?” Factor

After drafting, revisit your essay with a critical eye. Ask yourself, “So what?” for each section. Ensure that every paragraph contributes to a deeper understanding of your journey and aspirations. Seek feedback from mentors or peers to refine your message and clarity.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of these common mistakes:

• Avoid clichés and vague language. Instead of stating your passion, illustrate it through specific examples.
• Do not rely on passive voice; ensure your writing is dynamic and engaging.
• Steer clear of bureaucratic jargon. Your essay should reflect your voice, not a formal report.
• Do not fabricate experiences or achievements. Authenticity is key in your narrative.