George Putnam Accounting Scholarship Essay Guide

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

Organize your thoughts into four material buckets: background, achievements, the gap, and personality.

• Background: Consider your upbringing and experiences that have shaped your interest in accounting. What early influences led you to this field?
• Achievements: List your academic and extracurricular accomplishments. Include metrics like GPA, leadership roles, or specific projects that demonstrate your skills and commitment.
• The Gap: Identify any gaps in your education or experience that further study will address. Why is this scholarship essential for your academic and career goals?
• Personality: Share personal anecdotes that reveal your values and character. What makes you unique as a candidate?

Creating a Structured Outline

With your material organized, create an outline that flows logically. Start with an engaging opening that draws the reader in, perhaps by describing a pivotal moment in your journey toward accounting. Follow this with sections dedicated to each bucket, ensuring each paragraph focuses on one main idea. Conclude with a strong statement about your future aspirations and how the scholarship will help you achieve them.

Drafting with Purpose

As you draft, focus on clarity and specificity. Use active voice and concrete details to illustrate your points. Instead of saying you have a passion for accounting, describe a specific project or experience that sparked your interest. Remember to reflect on what you learned from each experience and why it matters to your future.

Revision & “So What?”

After completing your draft, take a step back and review your work. Ask yourself, “So what?” after each section. Does your essay clearly convey your journey and aspirations? Ensure that each paragraph contributes to a cohesive narrative that showcases your qualifications for the scholarship.

Avoiding Common Pitfalls

Be mindful of clichés and vague statements that do not add depth to your essay. Avoid phrases like “From a young age” or “I have always been passionate about.” Instead, focus on specific experiences and insights. Additionally, ensure that all facts and figures are accurate and verifiable.