How to Write Your Essay for the Target Print & Mail Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

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

• Background: Reflect on your personal history. What experiences have shaped your desire to pursue higher education? Consider family influences, community involvement, or challenges you've faced.
• Achievements: List your accomplishments, both academic and extracurricular. Quantify your successes where possible—mention awards, leadership roles, or projects that demonstrate your commitment and impact.
• The Gap: Identify what you currently lack in your education. Why is further study essential for you? How will this scholarship help bridge that gap?
• Personality: Infuse your essay with personal details that reveal your values and character. Share anecdotes that illustrate your resilience, motivation, and vision for the future.

Creating an Outline

Structure your essay logically. A recommended outline might include:

1. Introduction: Start with a compelling moment or scene that illustrates your journey.
2. Background: Discuss your upbringing, influences, and motivations.
3. Achievements: Highlight key accomplishments and what they mean to you.
4. The Gap: Explain your educational needs and how the scholarship fits into your plans.
5. Conclusion: Reflect on your aspirations and the broader impact of your education.

Drafting Voice and Style

Write in an active voice and be specific. Avoid clichés and generalizations. Instead of stating your passion, show it through your experiences and reflections. Each paragraph should focus on one main idea, leading the reader through your narrative logically and engagingly.

Revision & “So What?”

After drafting, revise with a critical eye. Ask yourself: What changed in me through these experiences? Why does this matter? Ensure each section of your essay answers these questions and connects back to the scholarship's goals. Seek feedback from peers or mentors to gain perspective on clarity and impact.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of these common mistakes:

• Avoid vague statements about your passion or goals without supporting details.
• Steer clear of passive voice; keep your sentences active and engaging.
• Do not include invented facts or embellishments about your experiences.
• Refrain from starting with clichés or overly broad statements.