Dr J Patrick Janice Owens Figley Scholarship Essay Guide

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

Gather material to inform your essay by reflecting on the four key areas:

• Background: Identify formative experiences that have shaped your values and goals. Consider family influences, educational experiences, or challenges you have faced.
• Achievements: List your significant accomplishments, focusing on metrics or outcomes. Think about leadership roles, academic honors, or community service that demonstrate your commitment and impact.
• The Gap: Reflect on what you currently lack in your education or skills and how this scholarship will help bridge that gap. Be specific about your academic or professional goals and how further study at Stetson University fits into that picture.
• Personality: Infuse your essay with personal details that reveal your character and values. Consider anecdotes that illustrate your resilience, empathy, or passion for your field.

Creating an Outline

Organize your thoughts into a coherent structure. A suggested outline could be:

1. Introduction: Start with a concrete moment or scene that captures your journey or motivation.
2. Background: Discuss your formative experiences and how they shaped your aspirations.
3. Achievements: Highlight key accomplishments, using specific metrics or examples.
4. The Gap: Explain what you hope to achieve through this scholarship and your studies at Stetson.
5. Conclusion: Reflect on your commitment to making a difference in your community or field.

Drafting Voice and Style

As you draft, maintain an active voice that engages the reader. Avoid clichés and vague statements. Instead of saying, "I have always been passionate about helping others," provide a specific example of a time you made a difference in someone’s life. Each paragraph should focus on a single idea and transition smoothly to the next.

Revision and the “So What?” Factor

After drafting, take a step back and review your essay. Ask yourself, “So what?” for each section. What insight or reflection does this provide? Ensure that your essay not only tells your story but also connects your experiences to the scholarship’s goals. Seek feedback from peers or mentors to refine your message further.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Avoid these common mistakes:

• Starting with a cliché opener or vague statements.
• Using passive voice when an active subject exists.
• Failing to provide specific examples or metrics.
• Neglecting to connect your experiences to your future goals.
• Ignoring the importance of proofreading for grammar and clarity.