← Back to Scholarship Essay Guides
How to Write Your Essay for the Baldwin van der Bijl Scholarship
By Daur, ScholarshipTop founder and scholarship data reviewer
Reviewed by ScholarshipTop editorial review · Published Apr 15, 2026
ScholarshipTop editorial guide. Writing guidance does not guarantee eligibility, selection, or award payment.
Understanding the Prompt
The Baldwin van der Bijl Computer Science Endowed Scholarship essay requires you to reflect on your journey in the field of computer science and your aspirations. Begin by analyzing the prompt closely. What qualities or experiences does the scholarship committee value? Think about how your story aligns with their expectations.
Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets
To create a strong narrative, consider these four material buckets:
- Background: Reflect on your personal history. What experiences or influences have shaped your interest in computer science? Consider family, educational, or community experiences that sparked your passion.
- Achievements: Identify key accomplishments in your academic and extracurricular activities. Use specific metrics or examples to illustrate your contributions, such as projects completed, leadership roles, or competitions entered.
- The Gap: Acknowledge any gaps in your experience or education that this scholarship will help you address. Explain how further study at Clackamas Community College will bridge these gaps and enhance your skills.
- Personality: Infuse your essay with personal details that reveal your values and character. What unique perspectives do you bring to the field? This is your chance to humanize your application.
Creating an Outline
Match workspace
Find scholarships that fit your profile
Organize your thoughts into a coherent outline. Each section should focus on one of the four material buckets. Start with a compelling introduction that sets the scene or presents a pivotal moment in your journey. Follow with sections that delve into your background, achievements, the gap, and your personality. Conclude with a strong closing that ties your experiences back to your future goals in computer science.
Drafting Voice and Style
When drafting your essay, maintain an active voice and clear, precise language. Avoid clichés and vague statements. Instead of saying you are passionate about computer science, illustrate that passion through specific examples of your work or projects. Each paragraph should focus on a single idea, leading the reader logically through your narrative.
Revision and the “So What?” Factor
After drafting, take a break before revising. When you return, read your essay with fresh eyes. Ask yourself, “So what?” after each section. What insights have you gained? How do your experiences connect to your future goals? Ensure that every paragraph contributes to a deeper understanding of who you are and why you deserve this scholarship.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
Be mindful of these common pitfalls:
- Avoid opening with generic statements or clichés. Start with a specific moment that captures your journey.
- Steer clear of vague expressions of passion. Use concrete examples to demonstrate your commitment and achievements.
- Do not neglect the revision process. A polished essay reflects your dedication and attention to detail.
FAQ
What should I include in my essay for the scholarship?
How can I make my essay stand out?
What is the deadline for the scholarship application?
Related articles
Related scholarships
Browse the full scholarship catalog — filter by deadline, category, and more.
- NEW
Jackson Computer Science Education Scholarship
Agriculture and Related Sciences students can compare this scholarship with a listed award of $5,000 and a 10.09.26 deadline while planning eligibility fit and required materials.
Best for: Agriculture and Related Sciences studentsRecurring$5,000
Award Amount
10.09.26
91 days left
10.09.26
91 days left
$5,000
Award Amount
- NEW
Open : Russian Scholarship Project
Biological and Biomedical Sciences students can compare this scholarship with a listed award of full tuition scholarship and a Jan 31 deadline while planning eligibility fit and required materials.
Best for: Biological and Biomedical Sciences studentsfull tuition scholarship
Award Amount
Non-monetary
Jan 31
Jan 31
full tuition scholarship
Award Amount
Non-monetary
- NEW
Degree Scholarships at HSE University Russia
Biological and Biomedical Sciences students can compare this scholarship with a listed award of Unlimited and a Feb 28 deadline while planning eligibility fit and required materials.
Best for: Biological and Biomedical Sciences studentsUnlimited
Award Amount
Direct to student
Feb 28
Feb 28
Unlimited
Award Amount
Direct to student
- NEW
MS Science Scholarship in China
Communication and Journalism students can compare this scholarship with a listed award of Up to 3,000 CNY / month and a Jun 30 deadline while planning eligibility fit and required materials.
Best for: Communication and Journalism studentsUp to 3,000 CNY / month
Award Amount
Jun 30
Jun 30
Up to 3,000 CNY / month
Award Amount
- VerifiedNEW
Business Administration and Computer Science
Business Management and Marketing students can compare this opportunity with a listed award of Variable and review the application path in ScholarshipTop.
Best for: Business Management and Marketing studentsVariable
Award Amount
Non-monetary
—
—
Variable
Award Amount
Non-monetary