How to Craft Your Essay for the Jacques Borges Memorial Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

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

• Background: Reflect on your life experiences that have shaped your educational journey. Consider significant moments that influenced your aspirations.
• Achievements: List your accomplishments, focusing on quantifiable metrics. What responsibilities did you hold? What outcomes did you achieve? Be specific.
• The Gap: Identify what you lack in your current educational experience and why further study is essential. How will this scholarship bridge that gap?
• Personality: Highlight personal traits and values that define you. Include anecdotes that showcase your character and commitment to your goals.

Creating an Outline

Draft a clear outline based on your brainstormed material. A typical structure might include:

1. Introduction: Start with a compelling moment or scene that captures your journey.
2. Body Paragraphs: Each paragraph should focus on one of the four buckets. Ensure logical flow and transitions between sections.
3. Conclusion: Reflect on how the scholarship will impact your future and reiterate your commitment to making a difference.

Drafting Voice and Style

Your writing should be active and engaging. Avoid clichés and vague statements. Instead of saying you are passionate about education, explain how a specific experience ignited your passion. Use concrete details and examples to illustrate your points, ensuring that every claim is supported by evidence.

Revision and the “So What?” Factor

After completing your first draft, take a step back. Ask yourself, “So what?” for each major point. Does your essay reflect personal growth and insight? Ensure that your narrative not only tells your story but also connects to the scholarship’s purpose. Revise for clarity, coherence, and impact.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of the following mistakes:

• Avoid starting with generic statements or clichés.
• Do not exaggerate or fabricate details about your experiences.
• Steer clear of passive voice; use active constructions to convey your agency.
• Ensure your essay remains focused on your unique journey, avoiding broad generalizations.