How to Craft Your Essay for the IBTTA Foundation Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

To create a well-rounded essay, gather material across these four categories:

• Background: Consider your upbringing, education, and experiences that have shaped your academic and career aspirations. Think about specific moments that influenced your path.
• Achievements: Identify key accomplishments that demonstrate your capabilities. Use metrics or specific outcomes to illustrate your impact, such as projects completed, leadership roles held, or community service initiatives undertaken.
• The Gap: Reflect on what you still need to achieve your goals. Discuss the skills or knowledge you wish to gain through your studies and how the scholarship will help bridge this gap.
• Personality: Infuse your essay with personal anecdotes that reveal your values and character. This could include challenges you've faced, lessons learned, or moments of insight that have defined you.

Outlining Your Essay

Once you have gathered your material, create an outline to organize your thoughts. A strong essay typically follows this structure:

1. Introduction: Start with a compelling scene or moment that captures your reader's attention. Avoid generic statements and instead set the stage for your narrative.
2. Body Paragraphs: Dedicate each paragraph to a specific idea, ensuring a logical flow from one to the next. Use the STAR method to detail your achievements and experiences, focusing on the situation, task, action, and result.
3. Conclusion: Reflect on what these experiences mean for your future. Emphasize your commitment to making a positive impact in your field and how the scholarship will support this journey.

Drafting Voice and Style

As you draft your essay, maintain an active voice and specific language. Show your personality through your writing style, but remain professional. Use concrete examples and avoid vague statements. Each paragraph should contribute to your overall narrative and reinforce your suitability for the scholarship.

Revision and “So What?”

After drafting, take time to revise your essay. Ask yourself, “So what?” for each section. Ensure that every paragraph answers this question and contributes to your overall argument. Look for areas where you can add specificity, clarify your points, and enhance the emotional resonance of your story.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

As you finalize your essay, be mindful of these common mistakes:

• Avoid clichés and generic statements that do not add value to your narrative.
• Steer clear of passive voice; always attribute actions to specific subjects.
• Do not fabricate experiences or embellish achievements. Authenticity is crucial.
• Ensure that your essay remains focused and coherent, without unnecessary tangents.