How to Write a Winning Essay for the Tellepsen Builders Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

Organize your thoughts into the four material buckets:

• Background: Reflect on your personal journey. What experiences have shaped your desire to pursue higher education? Consider family influences, community involvement, or challenges you've overcome.
• Achievements: List your significant accomplishments. Focus on metrics, responsibilities, and outcomes. For example, did you lead a project, volunteer extensively, or excel academically? Quantifying these achievements can provide a clearer picture of your capabilities.
• The Gap: Identify what you lack and how further study at San Jacinto College will help you bridge that gap. Be specific about the skills or knowledge you hope to gain and how they will contribute to your future.
• Personality: Infuse your essay with personal details that reveal your values and character. Consider anecdotes that highlight your resilience, leadership, or commitment to community service.

Creating an Outline

Structure your essay logically. Start with a compelling introduction that draws the reader in, perhaps by sharing a specific moment that encapsulates your journey. Follow with body paragraphs that delve into each of the four buckets, ensuring each paragraph has a clear focus. Conclude by reflecting on your aspirations and how the scholarship will empower you to achieve them.

Drafting Voice and Style

As you draft, use an active voice to convey your experiences and insights. Avoid generic statements; instead, aim for specificity. Describe your achievements with concrete examples and numbers. Each paragraph should focus on a single idea, progressing logically to the next. Remember to address the “So what?” question—what changed in you, and why does it matter?

Revision and “So What?”

After completing your draft, take a step back and review your work. Look for areas where you can deepen your reflections or clarify your points. Ensure that each section contributes to the overall narrative of your essay. Seek feedback from peers or mentors, and be open to constructive criticism. Revisions are crucial for refining your message and enhancing clarity.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Avoid clichés and vague expressions of passion. Instead, focus on specific experiences that illustrate your commitment and drive. Steer clear of passive voice and bureaucratic language; your essay should reflect your voice and individuality. Lastly, ensure all facts are accurate and verifiable—do not fabricate details about your experiences or achievements.