How to Write Your Essay for the Howard and Jean Merrill Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Material Buckets

To create a well-rounded essay, gather material across these four buckets:

• Background: Reflect on your upbringing, education, and experiences that have shaped who you are today. Consider significant moments that influenced your academic and personal journey.
• Achievements: List your accomplishments, focusing on those that demonstrate leadership, initiative, or impact. Quantify your achievements where possible, such as awards, projects, or community service hours.
• The Gap: Identify what you currently lack that further study at Stetson University will help you address. This could include specific skills, knowledge, or experiences that are critical for your future goals.
• Personality: Share personal details that reveal your values, passions, and motivations. This could include hobbies, interests, or experiences that highlight your unique perspective.

Outlining Your Essay

Organize your thoughts into a coherent outline. Begin with an engaging introduction that opens in-scene or with a specific moment. Follow with paragraphs that each focus on a single idea, ensuring logical flow from one to the next. Consider using the STAR method to structure your achievements and experiences, showcasing the situation, task, action, and result clearly.

Drafting Voice and Style

When drafting your essay, maintain an active voice and use specific language. Avoid clichés and vague expressions; instead, provide concrete examples that illustrate your points. As you write, reflect on how each experience has shaped your aspirations and why they matter in the context of your future at Stetson University.

Revision and “So What?”

After completing your first draft, take a step back and review your work. Ask yourself, “So what?” for each section—what did you learn, and why is it important? Ensure that your essay clearly communicates your journey and how it aligns with the scholarship's goals. Seek feedback from peers or mentors to refine your narrative and strengthen your arguments.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of these common mistakes:

• Avoid starting with generic statements or clichés.
• Steer clear of passive voice; always highlight your actions and contributions.
• Refrain from including unverifiable facts or embellishments about your experiences.
• Ensure your passion is backed by specific examples rather than vague assertions.