Crafting Your Essay for the Land Surveyors' Association Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

To create a compelling narrative, gather material across four key areas:

• Background: Reflect on your personal history. Consider experiences that sparked your interest in land surveying. Were there specific moments or influences that guided your path?
• Achievements: Identify your key accomplishments relevant to land surveying. This could include academic achievements, projects, internships, or leadership roles. Quantify your impact where possible—mention specific projects, responsibilities, or outcomes.
• The Gap: Acknowledge what you still need to learn or achieve. Explain how this scholarship will help bridge that gap and enhance your education in land surveying.
• Personality: Infuse your essay with personal details that showcase your values and motivations. What drives you? How do your experiences shape your perspective on land surveying?

Outline Your Essay

Creating a structured outline will help you organize your thoughts and ensure a logical flow. Consider the following structure:

1. Introduction: Start with a specific moment or experience that captures your interest in land surveying.
2. Background: Discuss your journey leading to this point, highlighting formative experiences.
3. Achievements: Detail your relevant accomplishments, emphasizing their significance.
4. The Gap: Describe what you hope to gain from further study and how the scholarship will facilitate that.
5. Conclusion: Reflect on your commitment to land surveying and the impact you hope to make in the field.

Drafting Voice and Style

As you draft your essay, maintain an active voice and focus on clarity. Avoid jargon and overly complex sentences. Each paragraph should center around a single idea, with transitions that logically connect your thoughts. Ensure that your narrative reflects your genuine interest in land surveying and your aspirations.

Revision and the “So What?” Factor

After drafting, take a break before revising. When you return, read your essay with fresh eyes. Ask yourself, “So what?” for each section. Does your essay reflect your growth and aspirations? Are your experiences connected to your future goals? Make sure your essay answers these questions clearly.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of the following common mistakes:

• Avoid clichés and generic statements. Your essay should be unique to your experiences.
• Steer clear of vague language. Use specific examples and measurable achievements to illustrate your points.
• Do not fabricate details. Ensure all information is accurate and reflective of your true experiences.