How to Write Your Essay for the Harvey Rundquist Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

To create a compelling narrative, brainstorm material across four key categories:

• Background: Reflect on your personal history, including significant events or influences that have shaped your educational journey. Consider moments that sparked your interest in your field of study.
• Achievements: Identify specific accomplishments that demonstrate your capabilities. This could include academic achievements, leadership roles, or community service. Use metrics where applicable, such as GPA, awards, or volunteer hours.
• The Gap: Acknowledge what you still need to achieve your goals. This may involve discussing your current educational status and how the scholarship will bridge the gap between where you are and where you want to be.
• Personality: Infuse your essay with personal details that showcase your values, interests, and character. Think about what makes you unique and how those traits will contribute to your success at Pensacola State College.

Creating an Outline

Once you have gathered material, outline your essay to ensure a logical flow. A suggested structure could be:

1. Introduction: Start with a vivid moment or anecdote that encapsulates your journey.
2. Background: Discuss your formative experiences and how they led you to pursue higher education.
3. Achievements: Highlight key accomplishments, emphasizing how they prepare you for future challenges.
4. The Gap: Explain your current educational needs and how the scholarship will help you meet them.
5. Personality: Share insights into your character that align with your educational and career aspirations.
6. Conclusion: Reflect on your commitment to making a positive impact and express gratitude for the opportunity.

Drafting Voice and Style

As you draft your essay, maintain an active voice and ensure your writing is clear and engaging. Avoid clichés and vague language; instead, focus on specific examples and reflections. Each paragraph should center on a single idea, using transitions to guide the reader through your narrative.

Revision & “So What?”

After drafting, take a break before revising. When you return to your essay, ask yourself: “So what?” for each section. Ensure that your reflections convey not just what you’ve done, but why it matters. This will help you connect your experiences to your future goals and the scholarship’s mission.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

To strengthen your essay, be mindful of these common pitfalls:

• Avoid starting with generic statements or clichés. Instead, open with a specific moment that draws the reader in.
• Steer clear of vague claims about your passions. Provide concrete examples that illustrate your commitment and achievements.
• Don’t neglect the importance of proofreading. Spelling and grammatical errors can detract from your message and professionalism.