How to Write Your Essay for the Bierschwale Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

Your essay should encompass four key material buckets: background, achievements, gap, and personality.

• Background: Consider what experiences have shaped your educational journey. Think about your family, community, and any challenges you’ve faced.
• Achievements: List your significant accomplishments, focusing on metrics and outcomes. What projects have you led? What responsibilities have you taken on? Include specific examples.
• The Gap: Identify what you currently lack in your education or skills and how this scholarship will help bridge that gap. Why is further study essential for your growth?
• Personality: Infuse your essay with humanizing details. What values drive you? What makes you unique? Specific anecdotes can illustrate these traits.

Creating an Outline

Once you’ve gathered your material, outline your essay to ensure a logical flow. Start with a compelling opening that draws the reader in. Each paragraph should focus on a single idea, transitioning smoothly to the next. Consider the following structure:

1. Introduction: Begin with a specific moment or experience that encapsulates your journey.
2. Background: Detail your formative experiences and how they’ve influenced your educational pursuits.
3. Achievements: Highlight key accomplishments, emphasizing their impact.
4. The Gap: Discuss what you hope to achieve through further study and how the scholarship will facilitate this.
5. Personality: Share insights into your character and values, reinforcing why you are a deserving candidate.
6. Conclusion: Reflect on your journey and articulate your commitment to making a difference.

Drafting Voice and Style

As you draft your essay, maintain an active voice and avoid bureaucratic language. Focus on clarity and specificity, using concrete details to support your claims. Each section should reflect on your experiences and illustrate why they matter. Avoid clichés and ensure every statement is backed by evidence or personal insight.

Revision & “So What?”

After drafting, take a step back and review your essay with fresh eyes. Ask yourself, “So what?” after each major point. Does your essay convey a clear narrative of growth and intention? Ensure each paragraph contributes to your overall message and reinforces your suitability for the scholarship.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of several common pitfalls:

• Avoid vague statements and empty superlatives. Every claim should be substantiated with examples.
• Steer clear of passive voice. Use active constructions to convey your agency.
• Do not invent facts or embellish your experiences. Authenticity is crucial in scholarship essays.
• Refrain from starting with clichés or generic statements. Instead, open with a specific moment that resonates.