How to Craft Your Essay for the NBCUniversal Tony Coelho Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

Organize your thoughts into four material buckets: background, achievements, the gap, and personality.

• Background: Consider your life experiences that have shaped your perspective. What challenges have you faced, and how have they influenced your desire to pursue a career in media?
• Achievements: List your accomplishments, focusing on metrics and outcomes. Highlight any leadership roles, projects, or initiatives that demonstrate your skills and commitment.
• The Gap: Identify what you currently lack in terms of skills or knowledge and explain how this scholarship will help you bridge that gap. Be specific about how further education will enhance your capabilities.
• Personality: Infuse your essay with humanizing details. What values drive you? What are your interests outside of academics? Specific anecdotes can help illustrate your character and motivations.

Structuring Your Essay

Plan a clear outline for your essay. Start with a compelling opening that immerses the reader in a specific moment or experience that reflects your journey. Each paragraph should focus on one main idea, transitioning smoothly to the next. Use the STAR method to detail your achievements and challenges, ensuring that you articulate the situation, task, action, and result in a clear and engaging manner.

Drafting Voice and Tone

Write in an active voice to create a sense of immediacy and engagement. Avoid bureaucratic language and focus on personal storytelling. Ensure that every statement reflects your genuine voice and perspective. As you draft, continually ask yourself, “So what?” This will help you reflect on the significance of your experiences and articulate their relevance to the scholarship.

Revision & “So What?”

After drafting, take a break before revising. Return with fresh eyes to assess clarity, coherence, and impact. Ensure each paragraph contributes to the overall narrative and answers the “So what?” question. Seek feedback from mentors or peers who can provide constructive criticism. Pay attention to detail, checking for grammatical errors and ensuring your essay adheres to any specified word count.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Avoid clichés and vague expressions. Instead of saying you are passionate, demonstrate that passion through specific examples. Do not fabricate experiences or achievements; authenticity is crucial. Ensure that your essay is focused and coherent, avoiding tangents that detract from your main message. Lastly, remember to adhere to any formatting guidelines provided by the scholarship committee.