How to Write Your Essay for the Thomas O. Hicks Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

To create a well-rounded essay, gather material across the following four buckets:

• Background: Reflect on your personal history, including experiences that have shaped your values and goals. Consider how your involvement with Sigma Phi Epsilon has impacted your life.
• Achievements: Identify specific accomplishments that demonstrate your leadership, commitment, and contributions to your community or the fraternity. Use metrics and examples to illustrate your impact.
• The Gap: Acknowledge any challenges or gaps in your educational journey. Explain why receiving this scholarship is crucial for your academic and personal growth.
• Personality: Infuse your essay with personal anecdotes that reveal your character and values. This is your chance to show the committee who you are beyond your achievements.

Creating an Outline

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

1. Introduction: Start with a compelling moment or scene that captures the reader's attention.
2. Background: Provide context about your life and how it relates to your involvement with Sigma Phi Epsilon.
3. Achievements: Highlight key accomplishments, using specific examples and metrics to showcase your impact.
4. The Gap: Discuss any challenges you face and how the scholarship will help you overcome them.
5. Personality: Share personal stories that illustrate your values and character.
6. Conclusion: Reflect on how this scholarship aligns with your future goals and the impact you hope to make.

Drafting Voice and Style

As you draft your essay, maintain an active voice and focus on clarity. Avoid jargon and bureaucratic language; instead, use straightforward, engaging language. Each paragraph should convey one main idea, ensuring logical progression throughout your essay.

Revision & “So What?”

After completing your draft, take a step back and review your work. Ask yourself the question, “So what?” for each section. Ensure that your reflections clarify how your experiences and goals connect to the scholarship. This is your opportunity to demonstrate the significance of your journey and aspirations.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

While drafting your essay, be mindful of the following pitfalls:

• Avoid clichés and generic statements that do not add value to your narrative.
• Do not fabricate experiences or achievements; authenticity is key.
• Steer clear of passive voice and vague language; ensure your writing is direct and impactful.