How to Write a Winning Essay for the Gerald Bergquist Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

Before drafting your essay, gather material across four key areas:

• Background: Identify significant experiences that have shaped your identity. Consider family influences, community involvement, and personal challenges.
• Achievements: Highlight your accomplishments, focusing on measurable outcomes such as leadership roles, academic performance, or community service. Use specific metrics where possible.
• The Gap: Reflect on what you currently lack in your educational journey. Explain how the scholarship will bridge this gap and enable you to pursue your goals.
• Personality: Infuse your essay with personal anecdotes that reveal your values, interests, and motivations. This humanizes your application and helps the committee connect with you.

Creating an Outline

Structure your essay to ensure clarity and flow. Here’s a suggested outline:

1. Introduction: Begin with a specific moment or experience that encapsulates your journey. Avoid generic statements and aim for an engaging hook.
2. Background: Discuss the key influences in your life, linking them to your current aspirations.
3. Achievements: Detail your accomplishments, using the STAR method to describe situations, tasks, actions, and results.
4. The Gap: Clearly articulate what you need to succeed and how the scholarship will help you fill that gap.
5. Personality: Share personal stories that illustrate your character and values.
6. Conclusion: Reflect on your journey and express your commitment to making a positive impact in your community.

Drafting Voice and Style

As you draft your essay, aim for an active voice that conveys confidence. Use specific language and details to illustrate your points. Avoid clichés and generalizations; instead, focus on unique experiences that set you apart. Each paragraph should support a single idea, ensuring that your essay is coherent and compelling.

Revision and the “So What?” Factor

After drafting, take a step back and revise your work. Ask yourself, “So what?” for each section. Ensure that every part of your essay reflects your growth and potential impact. Look for opportunities to deepen your reflections and clarify your motivations.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of these common mistakes:

• Avoid starting with clichés or generic statements that do not engage the reader.
• Do not exaggerate or fabricate experiences; authenticity is key.
• Steer clear of vague language; instead, use concrete examples and metrics to support your claims.
• Ensure that your essay has a logical flow, with clear transitions between sections.