Crafting Your Essay for the Follett Endowed Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

To create a compelling narrative, gather material across four key areas:

• Background: Reflect on your experiences, upbringing, and influences that have shaped your educational journey. Consider moments that sparked your interest in your field of study or your desire to pursue higher education.
• Achievements: Identify significant accomplishments in your academic and extracurricular life. Use metrics where possible—such as GPA, awards, leadership roles, or community service hours—to quantify your impact.
• The Gap: Consider what you feel is missing in your current education or experiences. Articulate how receiving the Follett Endowed Scholarship will help bridge this gap and enable you to achieve your goals.
• Personality: Share personal anecdotes that reveal your values, character, and aspirations. This is your chance to humanize your application and connect with the committee on a personal level.

Outlining Your Essay

Structure your essay to ensure clarity and logical flow. Start with an engaging introduction that sets the scene or presents a pivotal moment in your life. Follow with sections that delve into each of the four material buckets, ensuring each paragraph focuses on one main idea. Conclude with a strong closing that reiterates your commitment to your goals and how the scholarship will facilitate your journey.

Drafting Voice and Style

Use an active voice throughout your essay to convey confidence and clarity. Avoid clichés and generic statements; instead, focus on specific experiences and insights that showcase your unique perspective. Each paragraph should transition smoothly to the next, maintaining a coherent narrative that guides the reader through your story.

Revision and the “So What?” Factor

After drafting your essay, take a step back and assess its impact. Ask yourself, “So what?” after each major point. Does it reflect your journey, aspirations, and the value of the scholarship? Revise for clarity, specificity, and emotional resonance. Ensure that your final draft is polished, free of grammatical errors, and adheres to any specified word count.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of these common mistakes:

• Avoid starting with generic statements or clichés that do not add value to your narrative.
• Steer clear of vague language; instead, provide concrete examples and measurable achievements.
• Do not rely solely on passion; back your claims with evidence of your accomplishments and goals.
• Ensure that your essay reflects your authentic voice and personal experiences, rather than generic or borrowed ideas.