How to Write a Winning Essay for the Sue Baker Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

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

• Background: Reflect on your life experiences that have shaped your academic journey. Consider family influences, educational opportunities, and significant challenges you've faced.
• Achievements: List your academic and extracurricular accomplishments. Focus on metrics and outcomes, such as leadership roles, projects completed, or community service hours.
• The Gap: Identify what you lack in terms of skills or experiences and explain why further study at Tarleton State University is essential for your growth. Be specific about your academic and career aspirations.
• Personality: Include personal details that showcase your character, values, and motivations. This could be a unique hobby, a volunteer experience, or a personal philosophy that drives you.

Creating an Outline

Once you have gathered your material, create an outline to organize your thoughts. A suggested structure might include:

1. Introduction: Open with a concrete moment or scene that illustrates your journey or motivation. Avoid generic statements.
2. Background: Discuss your formative experiences and how they have influenced your academic path.
3. Achievements: Highlight key accomplishments, using specific examples and metrics to demonstrate your impact.
4. The Gap: Clearly articulate what you hope to gain from your education at Tarleton State and how the scholarship will help bridge that gap.
5. Personality: Share insights into who you are as a person, emphasizing values and experiences that define you.
6. Conclusion: Reflect on your journey, the significance of the scholarship, and your commitment to making a positive impact in your field.

Drafting Voice and Style

As you draft your essay, maintain an active voice. Use specific examples and details to illustrate your points. Each paragraph should focus on one main idea, ensuring clarity and logical progression. Remember to answer the “So what?” question in each section, reflecting on the significance of your experiences and aspirations.

Revision and “So What?”

After completing your first draft, take a step back before revising. Look for opportunities to enhance clarity and impact. Ensure that each section answers the “So what?” question, emphasizing why your experiences matter and how they connect to your goals. Seek feedback from mentors or peers to gain perspective on your narrative.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of these common pitfalls:

• Avoid cliché openers and filler phrases. Start with a strong, engaging moment.
• Steer clear of vague statements about passion without evidence. Show your passion through specific examples.
• Do not use passive voice when you can employ active voice. This strengthens your narrative.
• Ensure all facts are accurate and verifiable. Do not invent experiences or accomplishments.