How to Write Your Essay for The Second Trade Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

Organize your thoughts by exploring the four material buckets: background, achievements, gap, and personality.

• Background: Identify key experiences that have shaped your educational journey. Consider family influences, early interests, or significant challenges you have faced.
• Achievements: List your accomplishments, focusing on quantifiable metrics. Include academic successes, leadership roles, or community involvement that demonstrate your commitment and capability.
• The Gap: Reflect on what you currently lack in terms of skills or knowledge and how further education at CBT Technical Institute will help bridge that gap.
• Personality: Think about personal traits or values that define you. Use specific anecdotes to illustrate your character and how it aligns with your educational aspirations.

Creating an Outline

Once you have gathered your material, create an outline to organize your essay logically. Start with an engaging introduction that draws the reader in with a specific moment or experience. Follow this with sections dedicated to each of the four buckets, ensuring that each paragraph has a clear focus and transitions smoothly to the next. Conclude with a strong closing that reflects on your journey and future goals.

Drafting Voice and Style

When drafting your essay, use an active voice and be specific in your language. Avoid vague statements and clichés. Instead of saying you are passionate about your field, provide concrete examples of your engagement and commitment. Each paragraph should convey one main idea and include reflections on why these experiences matter.

Revision and “So What?”

After completing your draft, take a step back and review your work critically. Ask yourself, “So what?” for each section. Ensure that you are not only presenting facts but also reflecting on their significance and how they contribute to your overall narrative. Edit for clarity, coherence, and conciseness, and seek feedback from trusted peers or mentors.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be aware of common mistakes that can weaken your essay. Avoid generic openers and filler content that do not add value. Stay away from passive voice and bureaucratic language. Lastly, ensure that all facts and experiences are genuine and verifiable; do not fabricate details to embellish your story.