How to Craft Your Essay for the Mark and Lynn Hollis Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

Organize your thoughts around four key material buckets: background, achievements, the gap, and personality.

• Background: Reflect on your life experiences that have shaped your educational journey. Consider family influences, cultural background, or significant life events.
• Achievements: List your academic and extracurricular accomplishments. Focus on specific metrics, responsibilities, and outcomes that demonstrate your impact.
• The Gap: Identify any gaps in your current knowledge or experience that further education at Stetson University would address. Be specific about how this scholarship would help you bridge that gap.
• Personality: Think about what makes you unique. Share humanizing details that reflect your values, interests, and motivations.

Outlining Your Essay

Once you have gathered material from the four buckets, create an outline. Structure your essay to include an engaging introduction, several body paragraphs, and a strong conclusion. Aim for a logical flow that connects your background to your achievements, addresses your gap, and concludes with your personality. Each paragraph should focus on a single idea, using evidence and reflection to support your claims.

Drafting Voice and Style

As you draft, focus on using an active voice and specific language. Begin with a concrete moment or scene that captures the reader's attention. Avoid generic statements or clichés. Instead, reflect on your experiences and articulate why they matter. Each section should answer the question, “So what?” to illustrate your growth and commitment to making an impact.

Revision and Reflection

After completing your draft, take time to revise. Look for clarity, coherence, and conciseness. Ensure each paragraph serves a purpose and contributes to your overall narrative. Consider seeking feedback from peers or mentors who can provide constructive criticism. Reflect on how your experiences and aspirations align with the goals of the scholarship.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of common mistakes when writing your essay:

• Avoid clichés and vague statements that do not add value to your narrative.
• Do not use passive voice when an active subject can enhance your writing.
• Steer clear of heavy bureaucratic language; keep your writing clear and engaging.
• Do not invent facts or embellish your experiences; authenticity is key.