General Studies Upward Bound Endowed Scholarship Essay Guide

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

Organize your thoughts into four material buckets:

• Background: Reflect on your upbringing, challenges, and influences that have shaped your educational journey. Consider significant moments that led you to pursue higher education.
• Achievements: List your accomplishments, both academic and extracurricular. Use specific metrics where possible, such as GPA, awards, or leadership roles, to quantify your contributions.
• The Gap: Identify what you feel is lacking in your current skill set or knowledge base. Explain how further study at Tarleton State University will help you bridge this gap and achieve your goals.
• Personality: Share humanizing details that reveal your values, interests, and motivations. This is your chance to connect with the committee on a personal level.

Creating an Outline

Once you have gathered your material, create an outline to organize your essay. Start with a strong opening that draws the reader in with a specific moment or insight. Follow with sections that flow logically from one idea to the next, ensuring that each paragraph serves a clear purpose in supporting your overall narrative.

Drafting Voice and Style

As you draft, focus on using an active voice and specific language. Avoid vague statements and clichés. Instead of saying you are passionate about a subject, demonstrate this passion through examples and anecdotes. Ensure each paragraph has one main idea and transitions smoothly to the next.

Revision and the “So What?” Factor

After completing your draft, take a step back and reflect on each section. Ask yourself what insights you are providing and why they matter. Ensure that your essay answers the question of “So what?” in relation to your experiences and aspirations. This reflection will help deepen your narrative and clarify your motivations.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of several common pitfalls:

• Avoid starting with clichés or generic statements.
• Steer clear of vague language and superlatives without evidence.
• Do not use passive voice when an active subject exists.
• Ensure all facts and figures are accurate and verifiable.