How to Craft Your Essay for the Chris Harkins Memorial Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

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

• Background: Reflect on your upbringing, education, and experiences that have shaped you. Consider pivotal moments that influenced your academic and personal journey.
• Achievements: Identify significant accomplishments, both academic and extracurricular. Quantify your achievements where possible—mention specific projects, leadership roles, or community service initiatives that had measurable impacts.
• The Gap: Acknowledge areas where you seek further growth. Explain what knowledge or skills you currently lack and how attending Stetson University will help you bridge these gaps.
• Personality: Infuse your essay with personal anecdotes that showcase your character, values, and motivations. Specific stories can illustrate your resilience, creativity, or commitment to making a difference.

Outlining Your Essay

Once you have gathered your material, create an outline that organizes your thoughts logically. A typical structure might include:

1. Introduction: Start with a compelling in-scene moment or anecdote that draws the reader in.
2. Body Paragraphs: Dedicate each paragraph to one of the four buckets, ensuring each section flows logically into the next. Use specific examples to support your claims and reflect on their significance.
3. Conclusion: Reiterate your commitment to your goals and how the scholarship will help you achieve them. Reflect on how you plan to give back to the community or contribute to your field after your studies.

Drafting Voice and Style

When drafting your essay, maintain an active voice and be specific in your language. Avoid generic statements and clichés. Instead of saying you are “passionate about helping others,” illustrate this passion with a concrete example. Ensure your writing reflects your unique voice while remaining professional and focused.

Revision and “So What?” Analysis

After completing your draft, take a break before revising. Read your essay with fresh eyes and ask yourself, “So what?” for each section. Ensure that each paragraph contributes to your overall narrative and demonstrates your fit for the scholarship. Seek feedback from mentors or peers to gain perspective on clarity and impact.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

As you prepare your essay, be mindful of these common mistakes:

• Avoid starting with clichés or overly broad statements.
• Steer clear of vague language; instead, use specific examples and metrics.
• Don’t rely on passive voice; always highlight your active role in your achievements.
• Ensure all facts are accurate and relevant to your experience.