← Back to Scholarship Essay Guides
How to Write a Compelling Essay for the Ethel Lewallen Scholarship
By Daur, ScholarshipTop founder and scholarship data reviewer
Reviewed by ScholarshipTop editorial review · Published Apr 19, 2026
ScholarshipTop editorial guide. Writing guidance does not guarantee eligibility, selection, or award payment.
Understanding the Prompt
Before you begin writing, take time to understand the scholarship prompt. Consider what the committee is looking for in candidates. Reflect on how your experiences align with their expectations, particularly in terms of your educational goals and financial need. This scholarship aims to support students attending Tarleton State University, so your essay should clearly express your connection to the institution and your aspirations.
Brainstorming Across the Four Material Buckets
Organize your thoughts into four key areas: background, achievements, the gap, and personality.
- Background: Identify pivotal experiences that shaped your educational journey. Consider family influences, community involvement, or personal challenges that led you to pursue higher education.
- Achievements: List significant accomplishments, both academic and extracurricular. Include metrics where possible, such as GPA, leadership roles, or community service hours that demonstrate your commitment and impact.
- The Gap: Reflect on what you currently lack in your education and how this scholarship will help bridge that gap. Be specific about the skills or knowledge you wish to acquire and how they align with your future goals.
- Personality: Humanize your essay with personal anecdotes that reveal your values and character. Consider moments that reflect your resilience, empathy, or commitment to making a difference.
Creating an Outline
Match workspace
Get matched with scholarships in 2 minutes
Draft a clear outline to structure your essay. Start with an engaging introduction that sets the scene or presents a compelling moment from your life. Follow with sections dedicated to each of the four material buckets, ensuring each paragraph focuses on a single idea. Conclude with a strong closing that ties back to your introduction and emphasizes your commitment to your educational and career goals.
Drafting Voice and Style
As you write, maintain an active voice and focus on clarity. Avoid vague statements and instead provide specific examples that illustrate your points. Each paragraph should transition smoothly to the next, guiding the reader through your narrative. Remember to reflect on how each experience has shaped you and why it matters in the context of your future.
Revision and “So What?”
After drafting, take a break before revising. This distance will help you view your essay with fresh eyes. Ask yourself, “So what?” after each section. Ensure that every paragraph answers this question and contributes to a cohesive narrative. Edit for clarity, grammar, and conciseness, eliminating any clichés or filler content.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
Be mindful of common mistakes that can detract from your essay's impact:
- Avoid cliché openers and generic statements. Start with a specific moment or experience.
- Steer clear of empty superlatives and vague language. Focus on concrete details and measurable outcomes.
- Do not use passive voice when an active subject exists. This will make your writing more engaging.
- Ensure all facts are accurate and verifiable. Do not invent experiences or achievements.
FAQ
What is the Ethel Lewallen Memorial Scholarship?
Who is eligible to apply for this scholarship?
When is the application deadline for the scholarship?
Related articles
Related scholarships
Browse the full scholarship catalog — filter by deadline, category, and more.
- VerifiedNEW
Aston University Academic Excellence Scholarship
International students can compare this scholarship with a listed award of Up to $4,640 and a Rolling admissions: awarded multiple times per year. deadline while planning eligibility fit and required materials.
Best for: International studentsUp to $4,640
Award Amount
Paid to school
Rolling admissions: awarded multiple times per year.
Rolling admissions: awarded multiple times per year.
Up to $4,640
Award Amount
Paid to school
EducationFew RequirementsInternational StudentsFinancial NeedHigh SchoolVerifiedPaid to schoolGPA 3.0+ - NEW
CSU Bay - International Student Non-Resident Fee Waiver
History students can compare this scholarship with a listed award of $500 to $3,000 and a May 17 deadline while planning eligibility fit and required materials.
Best for: History students$500 to $3,000
Award Amount
Direct to student
May 17
May 17
$500 to $3,000
Award Amount
Direct to student
HumanitiesFew RequirementsInternational StudentsFinancial NeedHigh SchoolUndergraduateGraduateDirect to studentGPA 3.0+CACalifornia - NEW
Degree Scholarships at HSE University Russia
Biological and Biomedical Sciences students can compare this scholarship with a listed award of Unlimited and a Feb 28 deadline while planning eligibility fit and required materials.
Best for: Biological and Biomedical Sciences studentsUnlimited
Award Amount
Direct to student
Feb 28
Feb 28
Unlimited
Award Amount
Direct to student
- VerifiedNEW
ERP Scholarships for Graduates of Economics and Business Administration
Business Management and Marketing students can compare this scholarship with a listed award of Scholarship payments of 9… and a Application deadlines are updated at least once a year. In most cases, they are in the same period as the previous year. You can find the current dates here: deadline while planning eligibility fit and required materials.
Best for: Business Management and Marketing studentsRecurringScholarship payments of 9…
Award Amount
Paid to school
Application deadlines are updated at least once a year. In most cases, they are in the same period as the previous year. You can find the current dates here:
Application deadlines are updated at least once a year. In most cases, they are in the same period as the previous year. You can find the current dates here:
Scholarship payments of 9…
Award Amount
Paid to school
- NEW
Goa Institute of (GIM) Scholarships 2025
Business and Marketing students can compare this scholarship with a listed award of Only tuition fees, up to … and a 05.31.26 deadline while planning eligibility fit and required materials.
Best for: Business Management and Marketing studentsOnly tuition fees, up to …
Award Amount
05.31.26
deadline passed
05.31.26
deadline passed
Only tuition fees, up to …
Award Amount
STEMEducationHumanitiesFew RequirementsWomenDisabilityInternational StudentsFinancial NeedUndergraduateGraduatePhDGPA 3.5+AZGA