How to Craft Your Essay for the New Start Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

To create a rich and compelling narrative, gather material across these four buckets:

• Background: Reflect on your upbringing, education, and experiences that have shaped your identity. What challenges have you faced, and how have they influenced your goals?
• Achievements: List significant accomplishments, both academic and extracurricular. Quantify your successes where possible—think about leadership roles, projects completed, or community service hours logged.
• The Gap: Identify what you currently lack in terms of skills, knowledge, or experience that this scholarship will help you address. Be specific about how attending Tallahassee State College will bridge this gap.
• Personality: Infuse your essay with personal details that reveal your values and character. Consider moments that highlight your resilience, creativity, or commitment to your community.

Creating an Outline

Organize your thoughts into a coherent outline. Start with a hook—an engaging moment or insight that draws the reader in. Follow with sections that address each of the four buckets, ensuring each paragraph has a clear focus. Conclude with a strong statement on your future aspirations and how the scholarship will help you achieve them.

Drafting Voice and Style

When drafting your essay, use an active voice and write in a personal yet professional tone. Avoid clichés and generic statements. Instead, focus on specific experiences and reflections that illustrate your journey. Ensure that each paragraph transitions smoothly to the next, maintaining logical progression throughout your essay.

Revision and the “So What?” Factor

After completing your draft, take time to revise. Ask yourself, “So what?” for each section. What insights have you shared? How do your experiences relate to the scholarship's goals? Seek feedback from peers or mentors to gain different perspectives and refine your narrative.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of common mistakes, such as:

• Using vague language or empty superlatives without evidence.
• Failing to connect your experiences to the scholarship’s purpose.
• Neglecting to proofread for grammar and clarity.

By avoiding these pitfalls, you can present a polished and compelling essay that stands out to the scholarship committee.