How to Craft Your Essay for the NATAS Trustees Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

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

• Background: What experiences have shaped your interest in television? Think about pivotal moments or influences in your life that led you to this field.
• Achievements: List your accomplishments relevant to television arts. Include specific metrics or outcomes, such as projects completed, roles held, or skills developed.
• The Gap: Identify what you currently lack in your education or experience that this scholarship will help you address. Be clear about how further study will enable you to contribute to the industry.
• Personality: What personal qualities or values do you possess that will make you a valuable member of the television arts community? Include anecdotes that highlight your character.

Outline Your Essay

Creating a structured outline will help ensure your essay flows logically. Start with an engaging introduction that opens with a concrete moment or scene related to your experiences in television. Follow with body paragraphs that delve into each of the four buckets, ensuring each paragraph focuses on one idea. Conclude with a strong closing that reflects on your journey and future aspirations.

Drafting Voice and Style

When drafting, use an active voice and be specific in your language. Avoid abstract nouns and bureaucratic phrasing. Instead of saying, “I was involved in a project,” say, “I led a project that resulted in a 20% increase in audience engagement.” This specificity demonstrates your impact and makes your narrative more compelling.

Revision & “So What?”

After drafting, take a break before revising. Read your essay with fresh eyes and ask yourself, “So what?” for each major point. Ensure that every section not only conveys information but also reflects your growth and commitment to the field. Look for areas to enhance clarity, remove redundancy, and strengthen your argument.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of the following common pitfalls:

• Avoid clichés and vague statements. Instead, focus on specific experiences that illustrate your points.
• Do not invent facts or embellish your achievements. Authenticity is crucial in scholarship applications.
• Steer clear of passive voice where possible. An active voice will make your writing more engaging.