How to Write Your H. M. Giffin Endowed Scholarship Essay

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

Organize your thoughts by exploring the four material buckets: background, achievements, gap, and personality.

• Background: Reflect on your formative experiences. What events or influences have shaped your educational journey? Consider family, community, or significant challenges.
• Achievements: List your key accomplishments. Use specific metrics or outcomes to illustrate your contributions, such as leadership roles, projects, or awards.
• The Gap: Identify what you currently lack in your education or experience and how this scholarship will help you fill that gap. Be clear about your goals and how Stetson University fits into your plans.
• Personality: Humanize your essay by sharing personal anecdotes or values that define you. Show the committee who you are beyond your academic achievements.

Creating an Outline

Once you have gathered your ideas, create an outline to organize your essay's flow. Each section should build on the previous one, leading to a cohesive narrative. Start with a compelling introduction that hooks the reader, followed by sections that delve into each of your four buckets. Conclude with a reflection on your journey and your future aspirations.

Drafting Voice and Style

As you draft your essay, maintain an active voice and specific language. Avoid clichés and vague statements. Instead of saying, “I have always been passionate about education,” illustrate your passion with a specific example. Use concrete details to convey your experiences and insights.

Revision and the “So What?” Factor

After drafting, take a break before revising. When you return to your essay, read it with fresh eyes and ask yourself, “So what?” for each major point. Ensure that every paragraph contributes to your overall narrative and reflects your growth. Seek feedback from peers or mentors to gain different perspectives.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of common mistakes that can weaken your essay:

• Avoid starting with clichés or generic statements.
• Do not include invented facts or experiences; authenticity is crucial.
• Steer clear of passive voice; always attribute actions to yourself.
• Ensure clarity and coherence in your arguments; each paragraph should focus on a single idea.