How to Craft Your Essay for the MSAT Relocation Grant

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

To create a well-rounded essay, gather material from the following four buckets:

• Background: Think about your personal history, including influences that led you to pursue a technical education. Consider family, community, or significant events that shaped your path.
• Achievements: List your accomplishments, focusing on those relevant to your education and career goals. Include metrics or specific outcomes, such as projects completed or skills acquired.
• The Gap: Identify what you currently lack that this grant would help you overcome. This could include financial constraints or specific skills that further education would provide.
• Personality: Reflect on your values, interests, and unique traits. Think about how these elements contribute to your character and aspirations.

Structuring Your Outline

Once you have gathered your material, create an outline to organize your thoughts. Each section of your essay should focus on a single idea:

1. Introduction: Start with a concrete moment or scene that illustrates your journey. Avoid generic statements and aim for a hook that draws in the reader.
2. Body Paragraphs: Each paragraph should focus on one of the four buckets. Use specific examples and details to support your claims. Ensure that you connect your experiences to the purpose of the grant.
3. Conclusion: Reflect on how receiving this grant will impact your future. What are your long-term goals, and how does this scholarship fit into your plans?

Drafting Voice and Style

As you draft your essay, maintain an active voice. Use strong verbs and specific language to convey your experiences and aspirations. Avoid clichés and vague statements. Instead, focus on genuine reflections and insights that reveal your character and commitment to your education.

Revision and the “So What?” Factor

After drafting, take a step back and review your work. Ask yourself, “So what?” for each section. Ensure that each paragraph not only presents information but also reflects on its significance. This will help you demonstrate to the committee why your experiences matter and how they connect to your future goals.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of the following mistakes:

• Avoid starting with clichés or overly broad statements.
• Steer clear of vague language and empty expressions of passion.
• Do not use passive voice when an active subject exists.
• Ensure all facts and figures are accurate and verifiable.