How to Craft Your Essay for the Bertha Pitts Campbell Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

Organize your thoughts into four key areas:

• Background: Reflect on your upbringing, education, and experiences that shaped your identity. Consider pivotal moments that influenced your path.
• Achievements: Identify significant accomplishments in academics, leadership, or community service. Use specific metrics or examples to illustrate your impact.
• The Gap: Acknowledge what you currently lack in your education or skills. Explain how this scholarship will help bridge that gap and enable you to achieve your goals.
• Personality: Infuse your essay with personal details that showcase your values and character. Share anecdotes that reveal your passions and motivations.

Creating an Outline

Develop a structured outline based on your brainstorming session. Aim for a clear progression of ideas:

1. Start with a compelling opening that draws the reader in, perhaps a specific moment that encapsulates your journey.
2. Follow with your background, highlighting formative experiences.
3. Detail your achievements, emphasizing their relevance to the scholarship's goals.
4. Discuss the gap in your education and how the scholarship will facilitate your growth.
5. Conclude with a reflection on your personality and future aspirations, tying back to the opening moment.

Drafting Voice and Style

As you draft, maintain an active voice and ensure each paragraph focuses on a single idea. Use specific examples and metrics to substantiate your claims. Remember to engage the reader with vivid descriptions and reflections that answer the “So what?” question. This reflection is crucial for demonstrating your growth and future impact.

Revision and “So What?”

After drafting, take a break before revising. Look for clarity, coherence, and engagement. Ensure your essay answers the “So what?” in every section. Ask yourself how each part connects to your overall narrative and the scholarship’s objectives. Seek feedback from mentors or peers to refine your message.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of these common mistakes:

• Avoid clichés and vague statements. Ground your writing in specific experiences.
• Do not use passive voice; always attribute actions to yourself.
• Steer clear of bureaucratic language; keep your writing personal and engaging.
• Ensure all facts are accurate and reflective of your true experiences. Do not invent details.