How to Craft Your Essay for the BJC Scholars Fund

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

To create a compelling narrative, gather material across four key areas:

• Background: Reflect on your upbringing, education, and experiences that have shaped your values and ambitions. Consider specific moments that influenced your path.
• Achievements: List your significant accomplishments, focusing on measurable outcomes. Include leadership roles, community service, or academic achievements that demonstrate your impact.
• The Gap: Identify areas where you seek growth or further study. Explain why this scholarship is essential for your educational journey and how it will help you bridge that gap.
• Personality: Infuse your essay with personal anecdotes that reveal your character, values, and passions. Specific details will help the committee connect with you as an individual.

Creating an Outline

Structure your essay logically to guide the reader through your narrative. Start with an engaging introduction that draws the reader in with a specific moment or story. Follow with sections dedicated to each of the four buckets, ensuring each paragraph has a clear focus. Conclude with a strong statement about your future aspirations and how the scholarship will help you achieve them.

Drafting Voice and Style

As you draft, maintain an active voice and be specific in your descriptions. Avoid clichés and generalizations; instead, focus on concrete examples that illustrate your points. Each paragraph should convey one main idea and transition smoothly to the next. Remember to reflect on the significance of each experience and how it has shaped your journey.

Revision and “So What?”

After drafting, take a break before revising. Read your essay with fresh eyes, focusing on clarity and coherence. Ensure that each section answers the “So what?” question—why your experiences matter and how they relate to your future goals. Seek feedback from mentors or peers to gain different perspectives on your narrative.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of these common mistakes:

• Avoid starting with generic statements or clichés. Instead, engage your reader with a unique story or moment.
• Steer clear of vague language or unsupported claims. Use specific examples and metrics to back up your achievements.
• Don’t neglect the importance of personality. Your essay should reflect who you are beyond your accomplishments.