How to Craft Your Essay for the Fern Arnold Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Material Buckets

To create a compelling essay, gather material from the following four buckets:

• Background: Reflect on your personal history. Consider experiences that shaped your values and educational journey. What challenges have you faced, and how have they influenced your decision to pursue higher education?
• Achievements: List significant accomplishments in your academic and extracurricular life. Use metrics where possible—GPA, leadership roles, or community service hours—to quantify your impact.
• The Gap: Identify what you currently lack that this scholarship could help you overcome. This might include financial barriers, specific skills, or educational opportunities that further study at Chipola College will address.
• Personality: Humanize your essay by sharing specific anecdotes that reveal your character. What values drive you? How do you contribute to your community?

Creating an Outline

Structure your essay to ensure clarity and flow. A suggested outline could be:

1. Introduction: Start with a vivid scene or moment that encapsulates your journey or aspirations.
2. Background: Discuss your personal background and experiences that led you to this point.
3. Achievements: Highlight your key achievements, providing specific examples and metrics.
4. The Gap: Explain the gap in your education or resources and how the scholarship will help you bridge it.
5. Personality: Share personal anecdotes that illustrate your character and values.
6. Conclusion: Reflect on your future goals and how the scholarship aligns with your aspirations.

Drafting Voice and Style

As you draft, maintain an active voice and focus on specificity. Avoid vague statements and ensure each paragraph conveys a clear idea. Use transitions to guide the reader through your narrative. Start with an engaging moment to hook the committee, and throughout the essay, reflect on what you learned from your experiences and why they matter.

Revision & “So What?”

After drafting, take a break before revising. Read your essay with fresh eyes and ask yourself, “So what?” at the end of each section. Ensure that each paragraph not only conveys information but also reflects your growth and insights. Seek feedback from peers or mentors to refine your message and clarity.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of these common pitfalls:

• Avoid clichés and generic statements. Each sentence should be unique and reflective of your journey.
• Do not fabricate experiences or achievements; authenticity is crucial.
• Steer clear of passive voice; use active verbs to convey your actions and impact.
• Ensure your essay remains focused on the scholarship's intent and your connection to Chipola College.