How to Craft Your Essay for the Brasher Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

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

• Background: Reflect on the experiences that have shaped your academic and personal journey. Consider family influences, community involvement, and significant life events.
• Achievements: List your accomplishments, focusing on metrics and outcomes. Highlight leadership roles, academic honors, or community service that demonstrate your impact.
• The Gap: Identify what you currently lack in terms of skills or knowledge and articulate how the Brasher Scholarship will help bridge that gap. Be specific about your academic and career goals.
• Personality: Infuse your essay with personal anecdotes that reveal your values, interests, and motivations. This is your chance to connect with the committee on a human level.

Creating an Outline

Develop a structured outline based on your brainstorming. Each section of your essay should focus on one idea, leading the reader through your narrative logically. Aim for a compelling introduction that opens in-scene or with a vivid moment, followed by sections that delve into your background, achievements, and aspirations. Ensure that each paragraph transitions smoothly to the next, maintaining a coherent flow.

Drafting Voice and Style

As you draft your essay, use an active voice to engage the reader. Avoid clichés and vague statements; instead, focus on specific examples that illustrate your points. When discussing your achievements, employ the STAR method to clearly outline the situation, task, action, and result. This framework will help you articulate your contributions effectively.

Revision and the “So What?” Factor

After completing your draft, take a step back and reflect on each section. Ask yourself, “So what?”—what impact did your experiences have on you, and why does it matter to the scholarship committee? Revise your essay to ensure that every paragraph answers this question and contributes to a cohesive narrative about your future goals.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of common pitfalls that can undermine your essay. Avoid using filler phrases or superlatives without evidence. Steer clear of passive voice and bureaucratic language; instead, focus on clarity and specificity. Lastly, ensure that all facts are accurate and verifiable, steering clear of any embellishments or invented details.