How to Craft Your Essay for the Mike Matthews Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

To structure your essay effectively, gather material across four key areas:

• Background: What experiences have shaped your interest in the fine arts? Think about specific moments that influenced your artistic journey.
• Achievements: Identify your accomplishments in the arts. Include metrics such as awards, exhibitions, or projects you’ve completed. Focus on your role and the impact of your contributions.
• The Gap: Consider what you hope to achieve through further study. What skills or knowledge do you currently lack that this scholarship will help you develop?
• Personality: Add depth to your essay by incorporating personal anecdotes. What drives your passion for the arts? How do your values align with your artistic goals?

Creating an Outline

Organize your thoughts into a coherent outline. Start with an engaging introduction that draws the reader in with a specific moment or scene from your life. Follow this with sections dedicated to each of the four material buckets, ensuring each paragraph focuses on a single idea. Conclude with a strong statement about your future aspirations and how the scholarship will help you achieve them.

Drafting Voice and Style

As you write, maintain an active voice. Use specific examples and details to illustrate your points. Avoid vague statements and clichés. Instead of saying, “I have always loved art,” describe a moment when you created a piece that resonated with you or others. Ensure your writing reflects your genuine voice and perspective.

Revision and the 'So What?' Factor

After drafting your essay, take a step back and evaluate it critically. Ask yourself, “So what?” for each section. Does it clearly convey your journey, achievements, and aspirations? Seek feedback from peers or mentors, and be open to making revisions that enhance clarity and impact.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be cautious of these common mistakes:

• Avoid starting with clichés or overly broad statements. Open with a specific and engaging moment.
• Steer clear of empty superlatives. Instead of claiming you are passionate, demonstrate this passion through your experiences.
• Do not use passive voice when an active subject exists. This will help your writing feel more dynamic and engaging.