How to Craft Your Essay for the Jakie Laughlin Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

Organize your thoughts by exploring the following four material buckets:

• Background: Identify key experiences that have shaped your educational journey. Consider family influences, community involvement, or significant events that have motivated you to pursue higher education.
• Achievements: List your accomplishments, focusing on metrics and outcomes. This could include academic honors, leadership roles, or community service initiatives. Be specific about your contributions and the impact they had.
• The Gap: Reflect on what you still need to achieve your goals. Identify skills, knowledge, or experiences that you lack and explain how further study at Tarleton State University will help bridge this gap.
• Personality: Think about what makes you unique. Share personal anecdotes that reveal your values, interests, and character. This helps the committee see you as a whole person, not just a list of achievements.

Outline Your Essay

Creating an outline is essential for a coherent essay. Start with an engaging introduction that draws the reader in. Use the body of your essay to explore each of the four buckets, ensuring each section flows logically into the next. Conclude with a strong statement that reinforces your commitment to your educational and career goals.

Drafting Voice and Style

When drafting your essay, use an active voice and maintain a confident yet humble tone. Avoid clichés and vague statements; instead, focus on specific examples that illustrate your points. Each paragraph should center around a single idea, clearly connecting to your overall narrative.

Revision and the “So What?” Factor

After drafting, take a step back and revise with a critical eye. Ask yourself, “So what?” for each section. Ensure that every paragraph answers this question and contributes to your overarching narrative. Seek feedback from peers or mentors to gain different perspectives and refine your essay further.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of these common mistakes:

• Avoid starting with generic statements or clichés that do not add value to your narrative.
• Do not exaggerate or fabricate experiences; authenticity is crucial.
• Steer clear of overly complex language; clarity is more important than sophistication.
• Ensure your essay stays focused on the prompt and does not stray into unrelated topics.