How to Craft Your Essay for the Virginia & Richard Matz Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

To structure your thoughts, use the four material buckets: Background, Achievements, The Gap, and Personality.

• Background: Reflect on your upbringing, influences, and experiences that have shaped your educational journey. Consider specific moments that highlight your commitment to your community.
• Achievements: List your notable accomplishments, focusing on quantifiable results. Include leadership roles, community service, and academic successes that demonstrate your readiness for further study.
• The Gap: Identify what you currently lack in terms of skills or knowledge and explain how this scholarship will help bridge that gap. Be specific about your educational goals and how they align with the scholarship's mission.
• Personality: Infuse your essay with personal anecdotes that reveal your values, motivations, and character. This is your chance to humanize your application and connect with the committee on a personal level.

Outline Your Essay

Organize your ideas into a coherent outline. Start with a compelling introduction that draws the reader in with a specific moment or reflection. Follow with body paragraphs that each focus on one of the four buckets, ensuring each paragraph has a clear main idea and logical progression. Conclude with a strong closing that reiterates your commitment to your educational and community goals.

Drafting Voice and Style

As you draft, maintain an active voice and specific language. Avoid clichés and vague statements; instead, provide clear examples and evidence of your experiences and achievements. Each paragraph should reflect your unique voice while remaining focused on the scholarship's criteria.

Revision and “So What?”

After completing your draft, take a step back and review your essay. Ask yourself, “So what?” for each section. Ensure that your reflections convey not only what you have done but also why it matters. This will help clarify your motivations and the impact you hope to achieve with the scholarship.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of several common pitfalls when writing your essay:

• Avoid starting with generic statements or clichés.
• Do not use passive voice when an active subject exists.
• Ensure all facts and figures are accurate and verifiable.
• Steer clear of overly emotional appeals without substantive backing.