Crafting Your Essay for the New Hampshire ASCE Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

Organize your thoughts using the four material buckets: Background, Achievements, The Gap, and Personality.

• Background: Reflect on experiences that have shaped your interest in civil engineering. Consider key moments, such as projects, classes, or events that inspired you.
• Achievements: Identify specific accomplishments related to engineering or leadership. Use metrics and outcomes to highlight your contributions, such as projects completed or roles held in relevant clubs.
• The Gap: Acknowledge what you still need to learn and how this scholarship will help bridge that gap. Be clear about your educational goals and how they align with your career aspirations.
• Personality: Infuse your essay with personal anecdotes that reveal your values and character. Share stories that illustrate your resilience, teamwork, or innovative thinking.

Outlining Your Essay

Structure your essay logically. Start with a captivating opening that draws the reader in with a specific moment or experience. Follow with sections that delve into each of the four buckets, ensuring each paragraph has a clear focus. Conclude with a strong closing that ties back to your opening and emphasizes your commitment to making a positive impact in civil engineering.

Drafting Voice and Style

When drafting, use an active voice and specific language to convey your experiences and aspirations. Avoid clichés and vague statements. Instead of saying you are passionate about engineering, illustrate this passion through concrete examples. For instance, describe a project where you applied engineering principles to solve a problem.

Revision and “So What?”

After drafting, take a step back and review your essay with a critical eye. Ask yourself, “So what?” for each section. Ensure that every paragraph contributes to a larger narrative about your journey and goals. Look for areas where you can enhance clarity and impact through more specific details or stronger transitions.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of common mistakes that can weaken your essay:

• Avoid starting with generic statements or clichés. Instead, engage the reader with a unique story or insight.
• Steer clear of vague claims about your passion or skills without backing them up with evidence or examples.
• Do not rely on passive voice or bureaucratic language; keep your writing direct and personal.