How to Craft Your Essay for the Sara Berkowitz Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

To create a well-rounded essay, gather material across these four categories:

• Background: Reflect on your upbringing, education, and experiences that have shaped your identity. Consider significant moments that influenced your academic and career goals.
• Achievements: List your accomplishments, focusing on quantifiable outcomes. Think about leadership roles, projects, or initiatives where you made a measurable impact.
• The Gap: Identify any gaps in your education or experience that the scholarship could help you address. Be specific about how further study will enable you to achieve your goals.
• Personality: Infuse your essay with personal anecdotes that highlight your values and character. Aim for details that make you relatable and memorable.

Creating an Outline

Organize your gathered material into a logical structure. A typical outline might include:

1. Introduction: Start with an engaging moment or story that hooks the reader.
2. Body Paragraphs: Dedicate sections to each of the four buckets, ensuring each paragraph has a clear focus. Use the STAR method to illustrate your achievements and challenges.
3. Conclusion: Reflect on your journey and articulate your future aspirations. Emphasize how the scholarship will help you make an impact.

Drafting Voice and Tone

As you draft, maintain an active voice and clear, concise language. Avoid clichés and ensure each sentence contributes to your overall narrative. Use specific examples and metrics to substantiate your claims. Remember to answer the “So what?” question in each section, reflecting on the significance of your experiences and aspirations.

Revision and “So What?”

After completing your draft, take time to revise. Look for clarity, coherence, and emotional resonance. Ensure that your essay answers the prompt directly and reflects your unique voice. Seek feedback from trusted peers or mentors and be open to constructive criticism. Revisit your essay with fresh eyes to refine your message.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of these common mistakes:

• Using vague language or empty superlatives without evidence.
• Relying on passive voice or bureaucratic phrasing.
• Including irrelevant information or straying from the prompt.
• Failing to reflect on the significance of your experiences.