How to Write Your Essay for the Velda & Jack Taylor Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

To create a compelling essay, gather material across four key areas:

• Background: Reflect on your personal history. What experiences have shaped your educational journey? Consider family influences, community involvement, or significant challenges you have overcome.
• Achievements: List your accomplishments, both academic and extracurricular. Include specific metrics, such as GPA, awards, or leadership roles, and focus on the outcomes of your efforts.
• The Gap: Identify what you currently lack in terms of skills or knowledge that this scholarship will help you address. Explain how further study at Southwestern Illinois College will bridge this gap and enhance your future prospects.
• Personality: Infuse your essay with personal anecdotes that reveal your values and character. What drives you? What unique perspectives do you bring?

Creating an Outline

Organize your thoughts into a coherent outline. Start with a strong introduction that captures attention with a specific moment or story. Follow with sections that delve into each of the four buckets, ensuring that each paragraph has a clear focus and logical flow. Conclude with a powerful closing that reflects on your journey and future aspirations.

Drafting Voice and Style

As you draft your essay, maintain an active voice and use specific language. Avoid abstract nouns and bureaucratic phrasing; instead, focus on concrete actions and outcomes. Each paragraph should center around one main idea, and transitions should guide the reader smoothly from one point to the next. Remember to reflect on the significance of each experience—answer the “So what?” question throughout your writing.

Revision & “So What?”

After completing your first draft, take a break before revising. Return with fresh eyes to assess clarity and coherence. Ensure that each section contributes to a unified narrative that demonstrates your commitment to your education and your future goals. Seek feedback from peers or mentors, and be open to constructive criticism. Revisit the “So what?” aspect of your essay to ensure that it resonates with the scholarship committee.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

As you write, be mindful of several common pitfalls:

• Avoid clichés and vague statements—be specific about your experiences and achievements.
• Do not use passive voice when you can be active; this will strengthen your narrative.
• Steer clear of filler content that does not add value to your essay or support your main points.
• Finally, ensure that all details are accurate and reflective of your true experiences; do not invent facts or embellish your story.