How to Write Your Essay for the Richard and Allison Covert Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

Gather material from the following four buckets to structure your essay:

• Background: Consider your upbringing, education, and experiences that have shaped your perspective. What significant moments have influenced your path?
• Achievements: List your accomplishments, focusing on measurable outcomes and responsibilities. Think about leadership roles, projects, or initiatives you've undertaken.
• The Gap: Identify areas where you seek growth or further education. Be specific about what knowledge or skills you hope to gain at Stetson University and how they will help you achieve your goals.
• Personality: Infuse your essay with personal anecdotes that reveal your values and motivations. What unique qualities do you bring to the table?

Creating an Outline

Organize your thoughts into a coherent outline. Start with a compelling introduction that opens in-scene or with a specific moment. Follow with sections that address each of the four buckets, ensuring each paragraph has a clear focus. Conclude with a strong closing that ties your experiences back to the scholarship's purpose.

Drafting Voice and Style

As you draft, maintain an active voice. Use specific details, numbers, and timeframes to substantiate your claims. Avoid vague expressions of passion; instead, demonstrate your enthusiasm through concrete examples of your work and impact. Each paragraph should present one idea, with transitions that guide the reader logically through your narrative.

Revision and “So What?”

After completing your draft, revisit each section to ensure clarity and coherence. Ask yourself, “So what?” for every major point. What insights have you gained? How do your experiences prepare you for future challenges? Ensure your essay reflects not only what you have done but also how it has shaped your aspirations.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of the following pitfalls:

• Avoid clichés and generic statements. Open with a unique moment that captures your reader's attention.
• Steer clear of passive voice; always highlight your actions and contributions.
• Do not fabricate experiences or embellish details. Authenticity is crucial in scholarship essays.