How to Craft Your Essay for the Eric S. Waterman Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

Organize your thoughts by exploring the four material buckets: background, achievements, gap, and personality.

• Background: Consider the experiences that shaped your interest in structural ironwork. What events or influences have motivated you to pursue this path?
• Achievements: Identify key accomplishments in your academic or extracurricular life. Quantify your contributions—did you lead a project, achieve a specific grade, or participate in relevant internships?
• The Gap: Reflect on what you currently lack in your education or experience. Why is this scholarship essential for your academic journey? How will it help you bridge this gap?
• Personality: Think about what makes you unique. Share personal anecdotes that reveal your values, work ethic, and commitment to the field.

Creating an Outline

With your materials gathered, create a structured outline for your essay. Aim for a clear beginning, middle, and end. Start with a compelling opening that draws the reader in, followed by sections that explore each of the four buckets. Conclude with a strong statement about your future goals and how the scholarship will help you achieve them.

Drafting Voice and Style

As you draft, maintain an active voice. Use specific examples and details to illustrate your points. Avoid vague statements and clichés; instead, focus on authentic experiences that showcase your journey. Each paragraph should center around a single idea, transitioning smoothly to the next to maintain a logical flow.

Revision and the “So What?” Factor

After completing your draft, take time to revise. Ask yourself: What insights have I gained from my experiences? Why do they matter? Ensure that each section answers the “So what?” question, connecting your past experiences to your future aspirations. Seek feedback from trusted peers or mentors to refine your essay further.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of common mistakes that can weaken your essay. Avoid starting with clichés or overly broad statements. Steer clear of passive voice and abstract language without clear actors. Lastly, do not fabricate experiences or achievements; authenticity is crucial in making a strong impression.