Crafting Your Essay for the Savill Golf Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Material Buckets

To create a compelling narrative, gather material from the following four buckets:

• Background: Reflect on your upbringing, education, and experiences that have shaped your character. Consider how your connection to golf has influenced your life.
• Achievements: Identify specific accomplishments, whether academic, athletic, or community-oriented. Use metrics where possible, such as leadership roles, awards, or community service hours.
• The Gap: Assess what you currently lack in your educational journey and how receiving this scholarship will help bridge that gap. Be specific about your goals and how they relate to your future.
• Personality: Infuse your essay with personal anecdotes that reveal your values, interests, and character. This will help the committee see you as a well-rounded individual.

Outline Your Essay Structure

Organize your thoughts into a clear outline. A suggested structure is:

1. Introduction: Start with a concrete moment or scene that illustrates your connection to golf or education.
2. Body Paragraphs: Dedicate each paragraph to one of the four material buckets. Ensure each paragraph has a clear topic sentence and flows logically to the next.
3. Conclusion: Reflect on how the scholarship will impact your future and reiterate your commitment to making a difference.

Drafting Voice and Style

Write in an active voice and be specific in your language. Avoid clichés and vague expressions of passion. Instead of saying you are passionate about golf, describe a specific moment that illustrates your dedication. Ensure that your writing reflects a forward-looking perspective that emphasizes your potential impact.

Revision & “So What?” Reflection

After drafting your essay, revisit your work with a critical eye. Ask yourself, “So what?” for each section. What insights have you gained? Why does your story matter? Ensure that each paragraph contributes to a larger narrative about your goals and how the scholarship will help you achieve them.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be aware of common mistakes that can weaken your essay:

• Avoid starting with generic statements or clichés.
• Steer clear of vague claims about your passions without concrete examples.
• Do not use passive voice when an active subject exists.
• Ensure all facts about your experiences and achievements are accurate and verifiable.