How to Craft Your Essay for the BPW/WA Member Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

Organize your thoughts into four material buckets:

• Background: Consider what experiences have shaped your educational journey. Think about family, community, or pivotal moments that influenced your path.
• Achievements: List your accomplishments, focusing on specific metrics or outcomes. Include academic successes, leadership roles, or community service efforts that demonstrate your commitment and impact.
• The Gap: Identify what you still need to achieve your goals and how this scholarship will help fill that gap. Be specific about your educational aspirations and the skills you wish to develop.
• Personality: Reflect on personal values and traits that define you. Use anecdotes that showcase your character, resilience, and dedication.

Structuring Your Outline

Once you have gathered your material, create an outline that logically organizes your ideas. A strong essay typically includes:

1. Introduction: Start with an engaging moment or anecdote that draws the reader in. This should connect to your main themes.
2. Body Paragraphs: Dedicate each paragraph to one of the four buckets, ensuring each section flows logically to the next. Use specific examples to support your claims.
3. Conclusion: Reflect on your journey and how the scholarship will help you make a broader impact. End with a strong statement that reinforces your commitment to your goals.

Drafting Voice and Style

As you draft, maintain an active voice and be specific in your language. Avoid clichés and abstract statements; instead, focus on concrete details that illustrate your experiences. Each paragraph should center on one idea, ensuring clarity and coherence throughout your essay.

Revision and “So What?”

After drafting, take a step back and review your essay critically. Ask yourself, “So what?” for each section. What insights have you gained? How do your experiences connect to your future goals? Make sure your essay reflects not just what you have done, but why it matters to you and your community.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of the following common mistakes:

• Avoid vague statements about your passions without supporting evidence.
• Steer clear of passive voice and bureaucratic language; keep your writing personal and direct.
• Do not fabricate experiences or achievements; authenticity is crucial.