How to Craft Your Essay for the Marian Wood Baird Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

To create a well-rounded essay, gather material across four key areas:

• Background: Reflect on your personal history. What experiences have shaped your passion for tennis and education? Consider family influences, significant events, or challenges you've overcome.
• Achievements: List your accomplishments in tennis and academics. Include specific metrics, such as tournament placements, leadership roles, or community service hours that demonstrate your commitment and impact.
• The Gap: Identify what you currently lack in terms of education or resources that this scholarship could help fulfill. Be honest about your aspirations and how this scholarship fits into your future plans.
• Personality: Humanize your essay by sharing personal anecdotes or values that define you. This can include your work ethic, teamwork experiences, or a unique perspective on challenges.

Outlining Your Essay

Once you have gathered your material, create an outline to organize your thoughts. A strong essay typically follows this structure:

1. Introduction: Start with a vivid scene or moment that captures your relationship with tennis. Avoid generic statements and aim for a hook that draws the reader in.
2. Body Paragraphs: Each paragraph should focus on one idea. Use the STAR method to structure your achievements and experiences. For example, describe a situation where you faced a challenge in tennis, the task you undertook, the actions you took, and the results you achieved.
3. Conclusion: Reflect on how your experiences have prepared you for the future and how the scholarship will help you achieve your goals. Answer the “So what?” question to emphasize the importance of your journey.

Drafting Voice and Style

As you draft your essay, maintain an active voice and ensure clarity in your writing. Avoid clichés and vague statements. Instead, focus on specific details and personal insights that convey your unique story. Use transitions between paragraphs to guide the reader through your narrative logically.

Revision & “So What?”

After drafting, take a break before revising. Look for areas where you can enhance clarity and impact. Ensure that each section answers the “So what?” question, reflecting on what you learned from your experiences and how they relate to your future goals. Seek feedback from mentors or peers to gain different perspectives.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of these common mistakes:

• Avoid starting with broad statements or clichés. Instead, use specific moments to engage the reader.
• Do not exaggerate achievements; focus on honesty and authenticity.
• Steer clear of passive voice. Use active voice to highlight your actions and contributions.
• Ensure your essay is cohesive and focused on the scholarship’s themes.