How to Craft Your Essay for the Harshbarger Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

Organize your thoughts into four key areas: background, achievements, the gap, and personality.

• Background: Identify pivotal moments in your life that have shaped your academic journey. Consider family influences, community involvement, or significant challenges you’ve overcome.
• Achievements: List your accomplishments, focusing on quantifiable results. Think about leadership roles, projects, or initiatives where you made a measurable impact.
• The Gap: Reflect on what you currently lack in your education or experience that further study at Chipola College will help you address. Be specific about your goals and how this scholarship will facilitate your journey.
• Personality: Highlight what makes you unique. Share personal stories that reveal your values, interests, and motivations. This is your chance to humanize your application.

Structuring Your Essay

Begin with a strong opening that draws the reader in. Consider starting with a specific moment that illustrates your journey. Each paragraph should focus on one idea, ensuring clarity and coherence throughout your essay.

Drafting Voice and Style

Use an active voice to convey your experiences and insights. Avoid bureaucratic language; instead, let your personality shine through. Be reflective—explain not just what you did, but why it mattered and what you learned.

Revision and “So What?”

After drafting, take a step back and assess your work. Ask yourself, “So what?” for each section. Does it clearly convey your journey and its significance? Ensure that every paragraph contributes to your overall narrative and supports your application for the scholarship.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of clichés and vague statements. Avoid phrases like “I have always been passionate about.” Instead, provide specific examples that demonstrate your passion. Additionally, steer clear of passive voice and unnecessary jargon; clarity is key.