How to Write a Winning Essay for the Nestle Waters Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

To create a comprehensive essay, gather material across these four key areas:

• Background: Reflect on your upbringing, cultural influences, and experiences that have shaped your identity. Consider significant moments that inspired your educational journey.
• Achievements: Identify key accomplishments in your academic and extracurricular life. Focus on measurable outcomes, leadership roles, and any initiatives you have undertaken that demonstrate your commitment to your community.
• The Gap: Acknowledge any challenges or gaps in your educational journey. Be honest about what you lack and articulate how this scholarship will help you bridge that gap and achieve your goals.
• Personality: Infuse your essay with personal anecdotes that showcase your values, resilience, and unique perspective. Specific details will help the committee connect with you on a human level.

Creating an Outline

Organize your thoughts into a clear outline that follows a logical progression. Aim for a structure that includes:

1. Introduction: Start with a compelling scene or moment that draws the reader in. Avoid generic statements.
2. Body Paragraphs: Dedicate each paragraph to one of the four buckets. Use specific examples and reflections to illustrate your points.
3. Conclusion: Summarize your key messages and reflect on your commitment to making a positive impact in your community and beyond.

Drafting Voice and Style

When drafting your essay, maintain an active voice and specific language. Avoid vague statements and clichés. Instead of saying you are passionate about a subject, provide concrete examples of how that passion has manifested in your life. Each paragraph should focus on a single idea and transition smoothly to the next.

Revision & “So What?”

After completing your draft, take a step back and evaluate your work. Ask yourself, “So what?” for each major section. Ensure that your reflections convey growth and insight. Revise for clarity, coherence, and emotional resonance, and seek feedback from trusted peers or mentors.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Steer clear of the following mistakes:

• Using clichés or generic phrases that dilute your message.
• Overly complex language or passive voice that obscures your meaning.
• Failing to connect your experiences to the scholarship’s goals.
• Neglecting to proofread for grammar and spelling errors.