How to Write an Essay for the Larry B. Sawyer Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

Gather material for your essay by reflecting on the following four buckets:

• Background: Consider your educational journey, family influences, and any experiences that sparked your interest in internal auditing.
• Achievements: Identify specific accomplishments, such as academic honors, leadership roles, or relevant projects. Quantify these achievements where possible, using metrics or outcomes to illustrate your impact.
• The Gap: Reflect on what you still need to learn or achieve. Discuss how this scholarship will help bridge that gap, enhancing your skills and knowledge in the field.
• Personality: Infuse your essay with personal anecdotes that reveal your values and character. This could include challenges you've faced, lessons learned, or moments that shaped your perspective.

Creating an Outline

Organize your thoughts into a clear outline. Start with an engaging introduction that draws the reader in with a specific moment or scene. Follow with sections that address each of the four buckets, ensuring each paragraph focuses on a single idea. Conclude with a strong closing that ties your experiences and aspirations back to the scholarship's mission.

Drafting Voice and Style

As you draft, maintain an active voice and be specific in your language. Avoid vague statements and clichés. Instead of saying you are passionate about internal auditing, describe a moment that ignited that passion. Reflect on how your experiences have prepared you for future challenges and opportunities in the field.

Revision and the “So What?” Factor

After completing your draft, take a step back and review your work. Ask yourself, “So what?” for each major section. Ensure that every paragraph conveys not just what you did, but also what you learned and how it will impact your future. Seek feedback from peers or mentors to refine your essay further.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of the following mistakes:

• Using clichés or vague statements that do not provide real insight into your experiences.
• Neglecting to quantify achievements or provide specific examples.
• Failing to connect your narrative back to the scholarship’s goals and values.
• Overlooking the importance of a strong, engaging opening and a compelling conclusion.