How to Craft Your Essay for the Ava and Jack Kenny Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

Organize your thoughts by exploring the four material buckets: background, achievements, the gap, and personality.

• Background: Reflect on your personal history. What experiences have shaped your educational journey? Consider family influences, community involvement, or significant life events.
• Achievements: Identify key accomplishments in your academic and extracurricular life. Use specific metrics or outcomes to illustrate your success, such as grades, awards, or leadership roles.
• The Gap: Acknowledge any gaps in your experience or knowledge that this scholarship could help you address. Why is further study important for you? What skills or knowledge do you hope to gain at Tarleton State University?
• Personality: Share aspects of your character that make you unique. What values drive you? Include anecdotes that reveal your motivations and interests.

Creating an Outline

Once you have gathered your material, create a structured outline for your essay. Start with a compelling introduction that draws the reader in. Each section of your essay should focus on one main idea, progressing logically from your background to your achievements, the gap, and your personality. Conclude with a strong closing that ties together your experiences and aspirations.

Drafting Voice and Style

Your writing should be clear, active, and engaging. Start with a specific moment or anecdote to hook the committee's attention. Avoid clichés and vague statements; instead, use concrete details and reflections to illustrate your points. As you draft, remember to answer the “So what?” question for every major point you make. How do your experiences and aspirations connect to the scholarship's goals?

Revision and “So What?”

After completing your draft, take a break before revising. Review your essay for clarity, coherence, and impact. Ensure each paragraph serves a purpose and contributes to your overall narrative. Ask yourself if your essay effectively answers the prompt and highlights your suitability for the scholarship. Seek feedback from mentors or peers who can provide constructive criticism.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of common mistakes that can undermine your essay:

• Avoid generic statements and clichés that do not add value.
• Do not exaggerate or fabricate details about your experiences.
• Steer clear of passive voice; use active voice to convey your actions and intentions.
• Ensure your essay is well-organized, with clear transitions between ideas.