How to Write Your Essay for the Ralph & Esther Brasher Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

To structure your thoughts effectively, consider these four material buckets:

• Background: Reflect on your upbringing, education, and experiences that have shaped your goals. Think about pivotal moments that influenced your decision to pursue higher education.
• Achievements: Identify significant accomplishments, whether academic, extracurricular, or community-related. Use metrics where possible—such as grades, leadership roles, or community service hours—to demonstrate your impact.
• The Gap: Consider what you currently lack in your education or experience that this scholarship will help you address. Be specific about how further study will bridge this gap and enhance your future contributions.
• Personality: Infuse your essay with personal anecdotes that highlight your values, interests, and character. This is where you can show your unique voice and humanize your application.

Outlining Your Essay

Start with a strong introduction that hooks the reader. You might begin with a specific moment that illustrates your passion for education or a challenge you overcame. Organize your essay into clear sections, each focusing on one of the four buckets. Aim for a logical flow that transitions smoothly from your background to your achievements, then to your gap, and finally your personality. Conclude with a strong statement about your future goals and how the scholarship will help you achieve them.

Drafting Voice and Style

When drafting, maintain an active voice and be specific. Avoid clichés and vague statements. Instead of saying you are “passionate” about something, illustrate that passion with concrete examples. Use the STAR method to detail your achievements—describe the Situation, your Task, the Actions you took, and the Results that followed. This approach will provide clarity and depth to your narrative.

Revision & “So What?”

After drafting, take a step back and review your essay. Ask yourself, “So what?” for each major point. What insight or change did you experience? Why does it matter to the scholarship committee? Ensure that each paragraph contributes to a cohesive narrative that emphasizes your readiness for the scholarship. Seek feedback from peers or mentors to refine your essay further.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Avoid using generic statements or overly emotional appeals without substance. Stay away from passive constructions and bureaucratic language. Ensure that every fact you present is accurate and verifiable. Lastly, steer clear of clichés that dilute your message, such as “From a young age” or “I have always wanted to…”. Instead, focus on unique experiences that genuinely reflect who you are.