How to Write a Winning Essay for the Live Oak Contracting Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

Organize your thoughts into four material buckets: Background, Achievements, The Gap, and Personality.

• Background: Consider your formative experiences. What events or influences have shaped your educational journey? Think about your family, community, or significant challenges you have faced.
• Achievements: List your accomplishments, focusing on metrics and outcomes. Include academic honors, leadership roles, or community service. Be specific about your responsibilities and the impact of your contributions.
• The Gap: Identify areas where you seek growth. What skills or knowledge do you hope to gain through your studies at UNF? Explain how the scholarship will help bridge this gap.
• Personality: Share details that humanize you. What values drive you? Use anecdotes to illustrate your character and motivations.

Creating an Outline

Draft an outline to organize your essay logically. Start with an engaging opening that draws the reader in. Each section should flow into the next, with clear transitions. Consider structuring your essay around a central theme or narrative that ties your experiences together.

Drafting Voice and Style

When writing, maintain an active voice and specific language. Avoid clichés and vague statements. Instead of saying, “I have always been passionate about helping others,” provide a concrete example of a time you made a difference. Use the STAR method to highlight achievements: describe the Situation, Task, Action, and Result to showcase your contributions effectively.

Revision and the “So What?” Factor

After drafting, revisit your essay with a critical eye. Ask yourself, “So what?” after each paragraph. Does it convey your unique story and demonstrate why you deserve the scholarship? Seek feedback from peers or mentors to refine your message and ensure clarity.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of common mistakes that can undermine your essay:

• Avoid generic statements that do not provide insight into your character or experiences.
• Steer clear of overly complex language; clarity is key.
• Do not fabricate details or embellish achievements; authenticity matters.