How to Write a Winning Essay for the Les Best Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

Gather material by reflecting on four key areas:

• Background: Consider your upbringing, education, and any experiences that have shaped your aspirations. What motivated you to pursue a career in civil service?
• Achievements: Identify specific accomplishments that demonstrate your leadership, responsibility, and impact. Use metrics or outcomes to quantify your success.
• The Gap: Reflect on what you currently lack in terms of skills or knowledge and how this scholarship will help bridge that gap. Why is further education essential for your goals?
• Personality: Humanize your essay with personal anecdotes or values that drive you. What unique qualities do you bring to the table?

Outline Your Essay

Structure your essay to ensure clarity and coherence. A suggested outline includes:

1. Introduction: Start with a specific moment or experience that captures your journey.
2. Background: Discuss your personal history and motivations.
3. Achievements: Highlight key accomplishments and their significance.
4. The Gap: Explain how the scholarship will help you achieve your educational and career goals.
5. Conclusion: Reflect on what you hope to accomplish and how you plan to give back to your community.

Drafting Voice and Style

When drafting, use an active voice to convey your message clearly. Avoid clichés and focus on specificity. Instead of saying you are passionate about civil service, illustrate this passion with a concrete example. Engage the reader with vivid descriptions and reflections that answer the question, “So what?” for each section.

Revision and “So What?”

After drafting, take a step back to assess your work. Ensure that each paragraph contributes to the overall narrative and that your insights are clear. Ask yourself what changed in you through your experiences and why that matters. Consider seeking feedback from peers or mentors to refine your essay further.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of these common mistakes:

• Avoid vague statements and generalizations. Each claim should be backed by specific examples.
• Steer clear of passive voice where possible; it can dilute your message.
• Do not include fabricated details or awards. Authenticity is key.
• Refrain from using clichéd phrases that do not add value to your narrative.