How to Craft Your Essay for the Gahm Accounting Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

To create a compelling narrative, consider the following four material buckets:

• Background: Reflect on your journey. What experiences have shaped your interest in accounting and finance? Consider significant moments, challenges, or influences that guided your path.
• Achievements: Identify your key accomplishments. This could include academic performance, relevant internships, leadership roles, or projects. Use metrics and specific examples to illustrate your impact.
• The Gap: Acknowledge what you currently lack and why further study is essential. Explain how this scholarship will bridge that gap and enhance your skills or knowledge.
• Personality: Humanize your essay by sharing personal values or anecdotes. What drives you? What unique perspectives do you bring to the field of accounting and finance?

Outlining Your Essay

Organize your thoughts into a clear outline. A suggested structure might include:

1. Introduction: Start with a compelling moment or insight that captures your reader's attention.
2. Background: Discuss your journey and experiences that led you to this point.
3. Achievements: Highlight your relevant accomplishments and their significance.
4. The Gap: Explain your current limitations and how the scholarship will help you overcome them.
5. Personality: Share a personal story or value that illustrates your commitment to your field.
6. Conclusion: Reflect on your future goals and the impact you hope to make.

Drafting Voice and Style

Your essay should be written in an active voice, using specific details and examples to convey your message. Avoid clichés and vague statements. Instead of saying you are passionate about accounting, demonstrate that passion through your experiences and achievements. Each paragraph should focus on one idea and transition smoothly to the next.

Revision and “So What?”

After drafting, take a step back and review your essay critically. Ask yourself: What changed in me through these experiences? Why does this matter? Ensure that each section answers the “So what?” question, making clear the significance of your journey and aspirations.

Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of common pitfalls:

• Avoid starting with generic statements or clichés.
• Do not include invented facts or experiences; authenticity is key.
• Steer clear of passive voice; keep your writing active and engaging.
• Ensure you provide specific examples and metrics to support your claims.