How to Write a Winning Essay for the Burnett-Ennis Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

To effectively convey your story, gather material across four essential areas:

• Background: Reflect on your upbringing and experiences that have shaped your passion for education and coaching. Consider specific moments that ignited your interest.
• Achievements: List your accomplishments, focusing on metrics and outcomes. Highlight leadership roles, community service, or academic success that demonstrate your commitment and capability.
• The Gap: Identify areas where you seek growth. What knowledge or skills do you hope to gain from further education? Explain how this scholarship will help bridge that gap.
• Personality: Humanize your narrative. Include anecdotes that reveal your values, interests, and motivations. Specific details about your character will resonate with the committee.

Creating an Outline

Structure your essay with a clear outline. Start with an engaging introduction that draws the reader in with a vivid scene or moment. Follow with sections that cover each of the four buckets, ensuring each paragraph focuses on a single idea. Conclude with a strong statement about your future aspirations and how the scholarship will help you achieve them.

Drafting Voice and Style

As you draft, maintain an active voice. Use concrete examples to illustrate your points and avoid vague statements. Each paragraph should flow logically to the next, guiding the reader through your narrative. Reflect on your growth and insights throughout, answering the “So what?” question in each section.

Revision and “So What?”

After drafting, take a break before revising. Read your essay with fresh eyes, focusing on clarity and coherence. Ensure each section contributes to your overall message. Ask yourself what impact you want to leave on the committee. Strengthen areas that lack specificity or emotional resonance.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of clichés and vague expressions. Avoid starting with generic phrases like “From a young age” or “I have always wanted to.” Instead, lead with a specific moment that captures your journey. Additionally, steer clear of passive voice and overly bureaucratic language; your essay should reflect your authentic voice.