How to Craft Your Essay for the Brent Gordon Foundation Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

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

• Background: Reflect on your formative experiences. What events or influences have shaped your educational journey? Consider family, community, or personal challenges.
• Achievements: List your significant accomplishments. Use specific metrics where possible, such as grades, projects, or leadership roles. How have these achievements prepared you for future success?
• The Gap: Identify what you currently lack and how further education will help you bridge that gap. Be clear about your goals and the skills you wish to develop.
• Personality: Humanize your essay. Share anecdotes that reveal your values, interests, and motivations. This will help the committee connect with you on a personal level.

Structuring Your Essay

Create a coherent outline based on your brainstorming. Each section should focus on one main idea, leading the reader through your narrative.

1. Introduction: Start with a compelling moment or scene that encapsulates your journey or aspirations. Avoid generic statements.
2. Body Paragraphs: Dedicate each paragraph to one of the four buckets. Use the STAR method to illustrate achievements and challenges. Ensure each paragraph transitions smoothly to the next.
3. Conclusion: Reflect on your journey and articulate your commitment to making a positive impact through your education. Reinforce how the scholarship will facilitate this.

Drafting Voice and Style

Write in an active voice, ensuring clarity and engagement. Use specific details and metrics to support your claims, avoiding vague language. Each sentence should contribute to your overall message, answering the “So what?” question for the reader.

Revision & “So What?”

After drafting, take a break before revising. Read your essay with fresh eyes, focusing on clarity and impact. Check if each section effectively communicates your journey and aspirations. Ask yourself what insights you gained and how they relate to your future goals. This reflection will strengthen your narrative.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Stay clear of clichés and generic statements. Avoid passive voice and bureaucratic language. Ensure you do not invent facts or embellish your experiences. Authenticity is vital; the committee values genuine narratives over inflated achievements.