How to Write Your Bates Wardle Award Scholarship Essay

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

To create a compelling essay, organize your thoughts into four material buckets:

• Background: Reflect on your upbringing and experiences that led you to become a lifeguard. Consider what shaped your values and commitment to this role.
• Achievements: List your notable accomplishments as a lifeguard. Include metrics such as hours worked, certifications earned, or situations where your actions made a significant impact.
• The Gap: Identify areas where you seek growth through further education. Explain why this scholarship is essential for your academic and professional journey.
• Personality: Humanize your narrative by sharing personal anecdotes that showcase your character, values, and motivations.

Creating an Outline

Organize your ideas into a structured outline. A suggested format could include:

1. Introduction: Start with a vivid scene or moment that encapsulates your lifeguarding experience.
2. Background: Discuss your journey to becoming a lifeguard and what it means to you.
3. Achievements: Highlight your key accomplishments and their significance.
4. The Gap: Articulate your educational goals and how the scholarship will help you achieve them.
5. Conclusion: Reflect on your commitment to making a positive impact in your community as a lifeguard and beyond.

Drafting Voice and Style

When drafting your essay, use an active voice and specific language. Avoid clichés and general statements. Instead of saying you are passionate about lifeguarding, illustrate this with a specific experience that demonstrates your commitment. Each paragraph should focus on one main idea, ensuring clarity and logical flow.

Revision and the “So What?” Factor

After drafting, take a break before revising. Read your essay with fresh eyes, focusing on clarity and impact. Ask yourself, “So what?” for each section: What insights do you offer? How do your experiences connect to your future goals? Ensure that your essay answers these questions effectively.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of the following mistakes:

• Avoid vague statements that lack evidence.
• Do not rely on clichés or overused phrases.
• Ensure all facts are accurate and verifiable; do not invent experiences or achievements.
• Steer clear of passive voice; always attribute actions to yourself.