How to Craft Your ESA Foundation Scholarship Essay

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

Gather material to address the scholarship essay effectively. Use the following four buckets:

• Background: Consider your early influences in gaming or technology. What experiences shaped your interest in this field?
• Achievements: Highlight specific accomplishments. Quantify your contributions, such as projects completed, roles held, or skills acquired. Focus on metrics that demonstrate your impact.
• The Gap: Identify areas where further study is essential. What skills or knowledge do you lack that this scholarship will help you acquire?
• Personality: Add humanizing details that reflect your values and interests. What unique perspectives do you bring to the field?

Outline Your Essay

Structure your essay logically. Start with an engaging introduction that sets the scene. Follow with paragraphs that explore each bucket, ensuring each section flows into the next. Conclude with a strong closing that reiterates your commitment to the field and the impact you aim to achieve.

Drafting Voice and Style

Use an active voice throughout your essay. Engage the reader with specific examples and reflections that answer the question, “So what?” after each major point you make. Avoid clichés and general statements; instead, focus on concrete moments that illustrate your journey and aspirations.

Revision and “So What?”

After drafting, take a break before revising. This distance will help you view your essay critically. Ensure each paragraph serves a purpose and contributes to your overall message. Ask yourself, “What changed in me, and why does it matter?” to deepen your reflections.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of these common mistakes:

• Avoid starting with vague statements or clichés.
• Ensure you do not fabricate experiences or achievements.
• Stay focused on the scholarship’s themes and avoid unrelated tangents.
• Do not use passive voice unnecessarily; keep your writing dynamic.