How to Craft Your Essay for the Leonard T. Murphy Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

To create a compelling essay, gather material across four key areas:

• Background: Reflect on the experiences that have shaped you. Consider family influences, educational opportunities, or community involvement.
• Achievements: List your accomplishments, focusing on metrics and outcomes. What projects have you led? What impact have you made in your school or community?
• The Gap: Identify what you lack in your current situation and how further study at Stetson University will bridge this gap. Be specific about your academic and career aspirations.
• Personality: Include details that humanize you. What values drive you? What are your passions? Use anecdotes to illustrate your character.

Creating an Outline

Organize your thoughts into a clear outline. Start with an engaging introduction that draws the reader in with a specific moment or experience. Follow with body paragraphs that explore each of the four buckets, ensuring each paragraph has a clear focus. Conclude by tying your experiences and aspirations back to the scholarship's purpose and how it will facilitate your goals.

Drafting Voice and Style

When drafting your essay, use an active voice and specific language. Avoid clichés and generalizations. Instead of stating your passion, demonstrate it through concrete examples. Each paragraph should focus on a single idea, with transitions that guide the reader logically through your narrative. Remember to reflect on your experiences and articulate why they matter.

Revision and “So What?”

After drafting, take a break before revising. Read your essay with fresh eyes, focusing on clarity and coherence. Ask yourself, “So what?” after each major point to ensure you are conveying meaningful insights. Seek feedback from peers or mentors and be open to constructive criticism. Ensure your final draft is polished and free of errors.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Avoid these common mistakes when writing your scholarship essay:

• Using vague language or clichés that do not add value to your narrative.
• Failing to connect your experiences to your future goals and the scholarship’s purpose.
• Neglecting to proofread for grammar and clarity.
• Overly general introductions that do not engage the reader.