How to Craft Your Essay for the Bearden Endowed Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

To create a compelling narrative, gather material across four key areas:

• Background: Reflect on your personal history, including experiences that shaped your values and aspirations. Consider family influences, educational experiences, and community involvement.
• Achievements: Identify specific accomplishments that demonstrate your skills and dedication. Use metrics, such as grades, leadership roles, or projects you’ve completed, to provide a clear picture of your capabilities.
• The Gap: Acknowledge areas where you seek growth. Explain how the scholarship will help you bridge this gap, whether through financial support, educational opportunities, or access to resources.
• Personality: Infuse your essay with personal anecdotes that reveal your character. Share moments that highlight your resilience, empathy, or commitment to making a difference.

Outlining Your Essay

Structure your essay to create a logical flow of ideas. Consider the following outline:

1. Introduction: Start with a specific moment or anecdote that encapsulates your journey. This should hook the reader and set the tone for your essay.
2. Background: Provide context for your story, focusing on significant influences and experiences.
3. Achievements: Highlight key accomplishments, using the STAR method to illustrate your impact.
4. The Gap: Discuss your aspirations and how the scholarship will facilitate your growth.
5. Personality: Share a personal story that reflects your values and commitment to your goals.
6. Conclusion: Reflect on what you have learned and how you intend to use this scholarship to make a meaningful impact.

Drafting Voice and Style

When drafting your essay, maintain an active voice and be specific. Avoid vague statements and clichés. Instead of saying, “I am passionate about education,” provide a concrete example of how you’ve demonstrated this passion. Each paragraph should focus on a single idea, contributing to the overall narrative.

Revision and “So What?”

After completing your draft, revisit each section and ask yourself, “So what?” Ensure that each part of your essay reflects on your growth and significance. Look for opportunities to deepen your reflections and clarify your motivations. Seek feedback from peers or mentors to gain different perspectives on your writing.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of these common mistakes:

• Avoid starting with clichés or overly general statements.
• Do not exaggerate or invent experiences; authenticity is key.
• Steer clear of passive voice; use active verbs to convey your actions.
• Ensure each paragraph contributes meaningfully to your overall narrative.