Student Government Association Scholarship Essay Guide

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

To create a well-rounded essay, gather information across these four material buckets:

• Background: Reflect on your experiences that have shaped your educational journey. Consider family influences, community involvement, and any challenges you have faced.
• Achievements: List significant accomplishments, both academic and extracurricular. Use specific metrics where possible, such as GPA, leadership roles, or community service hours.
• The Gap: Identify what you currently lack that this scholarship will help you overcome. This could be financial barriers or resources that would enhance your educational experience.
• Personality: Infuse your essay with personal details that showcase your values and character. Think about what makes you unique and how these traits will contribute to your success at Tallahassee State College.

Creating an Outline

Organize your thoughts into a coherent outline. Each section of your essay should have a clear purpose:

1. Introduction: Start with a concrete moment or scene that captures your journey. Avoid generic statements.
2. Background: Discuss your formative experiences and how they relate to your educational goals.
3. Achievements: Highlight key accomplishments, using the STAR method to detail your contributions and their impact.
4. The Gap: Explain how the scholarship will help you fill the gap in your educational journey.
5. Personality: Share insights into your character and values, demonstrating how they align with your goals.
6. Conclusion: Reflect on what you have learned and how you plan to use this opportunity for future impact.

Drafting Voice and Style

When drafting your essay, aim for an active voice that engages the reader. Use specific details and numbers to support your claims. Instead of saying you are passionate about a subject, illustrate that passion through your experiences and achievements. Ensure each paragraph focuses on one main idea and flows logically into the next.

Revision and the “So What?” Factor

After drafting, take a step back and reflect on your essay. Ask yourself, “So what?” for each section. What insights have you gained? How do your experiences prepare you for future challenges? Make sure your essay not only tells your story but also conveys your commitment to making a positive impact.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of the following pitfalls:

• Avoid clichés and empty phrases. Instead of saying you have always been passionate, show how that passion has manifested in your actions.
• Do not rely on vague statements; be specific about your achievements and experiences.
• Steer clear of passive voice. Use active voice to convey your role in your accomplishments.
• Ensure that all facts and figures are accurate and verifiable. Do not invent details about your experiences or the scholarship.