Crafting Your Essay for the Walter Frese Memorial Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

Your essay should encompass four key material buckets: background, achievements, gap, and personality. Start by brainstorming ideas that fit into each category:

• Background: Consider your upbringing, education, and any formative experiences that have shaped your interest in government accounting.
• Achievements: List your academic successes, relevant projects, internships, or leadership roles. Quantify these where possible to add impact.
• The Gap: Identify any areas where you seek growth or knowledge, and explain how further study will help you bridge these gaps.
• Personality: Reflect on your values, interests, and unique qualities that make you a compelling candidate. Include anecdotes that reveal your character.

Outlining Your Essay

Once you have gathered your ideas, create an outline that logically organizes your thoughts. Each section of your essay should focus on one idea:

1. Start with a captivating opening that sets the scene—perhaps a moment that sparked your interest in government accounting.
2. Follow with your background, detailing how it has influenced your academic and career choices.
3. Discuss your achievements, using the STAR method to highlight specific examples of your contributions and their outcomes.
4. Address the gap, articulating why further education is essential for your goals.
5. Conclude with a reflection on your personality and aspirations, tying back to your opening moment and emphasizing your commitment to making an impact.

Drafting Voice and Style

As you draft your essay, maintain an active voice and focus on clarity. Avoid clichés and vague statements. Instead of saying you are passionate about accounting, illustrate this passion with specific examples. Ensure each paragraph transitions smoothly to the next, reinforcing the logical progression of your argument.

Revision and the “So What?” Factor

After drafting, take a step back and revise your essay with a critical eye. Ask yourself, “So what?” for each major section. What insights or reflections have you gained? How do your experiences prepare you to contribute to the field of government accounting? Ensure that your essay conveys not just your qualifications, but also your vision for the future.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of common mistakes that can detract from your essay's effectiveness:

• Avoid starting with generic statements or clichés that do not add value.
• Steer clear of vague language; be specific about your achievements and experiences.
• Do not fabricate details or embellish your experiences; authenticity is key.
• Ensure that your essay adheres to any specified word limits and formatting guidelines.