How to Craft Your Essay for the William M. Bulger Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

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

• Background: Reflect on your upbringing, experiences, and influences that shaped your academic and personal journey. Consider moments that sparked your interest in your field of study.
• Achievements: Identify key accomplishments, such as academic honors, leadership roles, or community service. Use specific metrics or outcomes to illustrate your impact.
• The Gap: Acknowledge areas where you seek growth. Explain why further study at UMass Amherst is essential for you to bridge these gaps and achieve your goals.
• Personality: Infuse your essay with personal anecdotes that reveal your values, passions, and motivations. This humanizes your application and allows the committee to connect with you.

Outline Your Essay

Organize your thoughts into a coherent structure. Start with an engaging introduction that draws the reader in with a vivid scene or moment. Follow with body paragraphs that each focus on a single idea, using evidence from your four buckets. Conclude with a strong statement about your future and how the scholarship will help you achieve it.

Drafting Voice and Style

Maintain an active voice throughout your essay. Use specific language and details to illustrate your points. Avoid vague statements and clichés; instead, focus on your unique experiences and insights. Each paragraph should contribute to a logical progression of ideas, leading the reader through your narrative.

Revision and the “So What?” Factor

Once your draft is complete, revise with a critical eye. Ask yourself, “So what?” for each section. Does it reflect your growth, your aspirations, and your fit for the scholarship? Ensure clarity and coherence, and check for grammatical errors. Seek feedback from trusted peers or mentors to refine your essay further.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of these common mistakes:

• Avoid starting with generic statements or clichés that fail to engage the reader.
• Do not exaggerate or invent facts; honesty is crucial in your narrative.
• Steer clear of passive voice and bureaucratic language; keep your writing clear and direct.
• Ensure each paragraph has a clear purpose and contributes to the overall message of your essay.