How to Craft Your Essay for the Tarleton Alumni Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

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

• Background: Reflect on your upbringing, influences, and experiences that shaped your interest in criminal justice. Consider specific moments that sparked your passion.
• Achievements: List your relevant accomplishments, such as academic performance, internships, volunteer work, or leadership roles. Quantify your achievements where possible to provide concrete evidence of your impact.
• The Gap: Identify areas where you seek growth or knowledge. Explain how further study at Tarleton State University will help you bridge these gaps and advance your career in criminal justice.
• Personality: Share personal anecdotes that reveal your values, motivations, and character. This will help the committee see you as a well-rounded individual, not just a list of accomplishments.

Outlining Your Essay

Organize your thoughts into a clear outline. Each section should have a specific focus:

1. Introduction: Start with a compelling moment or story that illustrates your connection to criminal justice.
2. Body Paragraphs: Dedicate paragraphs to each of the four material buckets. Use specific examples and reflections to illustrate your points.
3. Conclusion: Reinforce your commitment to the field of criminal justice and how the scholarship will help you achieve your goals.

Drafting Voice and Style

Write in an active voice, using specific details to engage the reader. Avoid clichés and vague statements. Instead of simply stating your passion for criminal justice, demonstrate it through your experiences and insights. Each paragraph should focus on one main idea, with clear transitions that guide the reader through your narrative.

Revision and the “So What?” Factor

After drafting, take a break before revising to gain perspective. Look for areas where you can deepen your reflection. Ask yourself, “So what?” after each major point. This will help you clarify why your experiences matter and how they connect to your future goals.

Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of common mistakes:

• Avoid starting with generic statements or clichés. Hook the reader with a specific moment instead.
• Steer clear of vague language; provide concrete examples and metrics to support your claims.
• Do not fabricate experiences or achievements; authenticity is crucial in scholarship applications.