How to Craft Your Essay for the Elsie Jones Hare Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

Organize your thoughts by exploring the four material buckets:

• Background: Consider significant moments in your life that have shaped who you are today. Think about family influences, challenges faced, or formative experiences that led you to pursue higher education.
• Achievements: List your accomplishments, both academic and extracurricular. Quantify your achievements where possible, such as GPA, leadership roles, or community service hours, to provide concrete evidence of your capabilities.
• The Gap: Identify what you currently lack that further study will help you achieve. This could be specific skills, knowledge, or experiences that you hope to gain through your education at the University of West Florida.
• Personality: Think about what makes you unique. Consider your values, interests, and motivations. Include specific anecdotes that illustrate your character and how they align with the scholarship’s mission.

Outlining Your Essay

Once you have gathered your material, create an outline to organize your thoughts logically. Start with an engaging introduction that sets the scene or presents a compelling moment from your life. Follow with sections that delve into each of the four buckets, ensuring each paragraph has a clear focus. Conclude with a strong closing that reflects on your journey and future aspirations.

Drafting Voice and Style

When drafting your essay, use an active voice and focus on clarity. Avoid clichés and vague statements. Instead, aim for specificity by providing detailed examples and reflections. Each paragraph should convey one main idea, and transitions should guide the reader through your narrative logically.

Revision and the “So What?” Factor

After drafting, take a step back and review your work. Ask yourself: What have I learned from my experiences? Why does this matter to the scholarship committee? Ensure that each section of your essay answers these questions and highlights your commitment to making an impact in your community and field of study.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

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

• Avoid generic statements or overused phrases that do not add value to your narrative.
• Steer clear of passive voice; always aim for active constructions that highlight your agency.
• Do not fabricate experiences or achievements; authenticity is crucial in conveying your story.