How to Craft Your Essay for the Deloitte & Touche Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

Organize your thoughts into four key material buckets: Background, Achievements, The Gap, and Personality.

• Background: Reflect on your formative experiences. What events or influences have shaped your academic and personal journey? Consider family, education, or community involvement.
• Achievements: List your significant accomplishments. Include metrics where possible—such as leadership roles, projects completed, or community service hours. What impact did these achievements have on others?
• The Gap: Identify areas where you seek growth. What skills or knowledge do you lack that further education can provide? Be specific about how the scholarship will help you bridge this gap.
• Personality: Infuse your essay with personal anecdotes that reveal your values and character. What unique perspectives do you bring to the table?

Creating an Outline

Draft a structured outline based on your brainstorming. Aim for a logical flow that connects your background to your achievements, the gap you want to fill, and your personality. Each section should build on the previous one, culminating in a strong conclusion that reiterates your commitment to making a positive impact.

Drafting Voice and Style

When writing your essay, use an active voice to convey confidence. Start with a vivid scene or a specific moment that illustrates your journey. Avoid generic statements and clichés; instead, focus on concrete details that reflect your experiences. Ensure each paragraph has a clear main idea and flows logically to the next.

Reflection and “So What?”

In each major section, pause to reflect on the significance of your experiences. Ask yourself, “So what?” What have you learned, and why does it matter? This reflection will deepen your essay and connect your personal narrative to your future aspirations, demonstrating your readiness for the opportunities the scholarship provides.

Revision Checklist

After drafting, take a step back to revise your essay. Check for clarity, coherence, and conciseness. Ensure you have addressed the prompt effectively and that your voice remains consistent throughout. Seek feedback from peers or mentors to gain new perspectives on your writing.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of common mistakes that can undermine your essay:

• Avoid clichés and vague statements that lack specificity.
• Do not rely on passive voice; use active constructions to engage the reader.
• Ensure all facts and experiences are truthful and verifiable.
• Stay focused on your unique narrative; do not compare yourself to other candidates.