How to Craft Your Essay for the BNSF Railway Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

Organize your thoughts into four material buckets: Background, Achievements, The Gap, and Personality.

• Background: Reflect on your upbringing, education, and experiences that have shaped your academic and career goals. Consider specific moments or influences that have guided your path.
• Achievements: Highlight significant accomplishments in your academic, professional, or extracurricular life. Use metrics, responsibilities, and outcomes to provide evidence of your successes.
• The Gap: Identify areas where you seek further education or skills development. Articulate why the BNSF Railway Scholarship is essential for bridging this gap and how it aligns with your future plans.
• Personality: Infuse your essay with personal anecdotes that reveal your values, motivations, and character. Specific details will make your narrative more relatable and memorable.

Outline Your Essay Structure

Create a clear outline to organize your thoughts logically. Each section should serve a distinct purpose and contribute to the overall narrative.

• Introduction: Start with a concrete moment or scene that captivates the reader. Avoid generic statements and instead, draw them into your story.
• Body Paragraphs: Dedicate each paragraph to one of the four buckets. Use the STAR method to structure your achievements and experiences, focusing on the situation, task, action, and result.
• Conclusion: Reflect on how your journey has prepared you for future challenges and the impact you wish to make. Reinforce the importance of the scholarship in achieving your goals.

Drafting Voice and Style

As you draft your essay, maintain an active voice and specific language. Aim for clarity and precision in your writing. Avoid vague expressions and ensure each sentence serves a purpose. When discussing your experiences, emphasize what you learned and how it has shaped your aspirations.

Revision and the “So What?” Factor

After completing your draft, take time to revise. Ask yourself, “So what?” for each section. Ensure that your reflections connect your experiences to your future goals and the scholarship’s mission. Seek feedback from peers or mentors to gain an outside perspective on your essay.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of the following pitfalls:

• Avoid clichés and generic statements that fail to convey your unique perspective.
• Do not invent facts or embellish experiences; authenticity is crucial.
• Steer clear of passive voice; use active voice to demonstrate your agency and impact.
• Ensure that your narrative flows logically, with clear transitions between paragraphs.