How to Craft Your Essay for the George E. Brady Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

To create a robust essay, gather material from the following four buckets:

• Background: Reflect on your personal history. Consider experiences that shaped your interest in accounting and public service. What pivotal moments or influences led you to this path?
• Achievements: Document your accomplishments related to government accounting. Include specific metrics, such as academic performance, relevant projects, or leadership roles. How have these experiences prepared you for further study?
• The Gap: Identify what you currently lack in your education or experience that the scholarship will help address. Be honest about your needs and articulate how this scholarship will bridge that gap.
• Personality: Infuse your essay with personal details that showcase your values and motivations. What drives you? What unique perspectives do you bring to the field?

Creating an Outline

Structure your essay logically. Start with an engaging introduction that draws the reader in with a specific moment or experience. Follow with body paragraphs that each focus on one of the four buckets. Conclude by tying your experiences back to how the scholarship will enable you to make a meaningful impact in government accounting.

Drafting Voice and Style

Use an active voice throughout your essay. Be specific and avoid vague statements. Instead of saying, “I have always been passionate about accounting,” provide an example of a moment when you demonstrated that passion, such as a project you led or a challenge you overcame. This specificity will make your narrative more compelling.

Revision and “So What?”

After drafting, take a step back and reflect on your essay. Ask yourself, “So what?” for each key point. What insights have you gained? How do your experiences connect to your future goals in government accounting? Ensure that your conclusion reinforces the importance of the scholarship in your educational journey.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of these common mistakes:

• Avoid clichés and generic statements that do not add value to your narrative.
• Do not fabricate experiences or achievements; authenticity is crucial.
• Steer clear of passive voice; ensure your writing is direct and engaging.
• Refrain from using bureaucratic language; keep your writing clear and accessible.