How to Write Your Essay for the Irving and Nancye Landers Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Material Buckets

Organizing your thoughts into four key areas can help you construct a compelling narrative:

• Background: Consider your upbringing, experiences, and influences that have shaped your educational aspirations. What unique perspectives do you bring?
• Achievements: Identify specific accomplishments, such as academic awards, leadership roles, or community service. Use metrics where possible—quantify your impact.
• The Gap: Reflect on what you currently lack that this scholarship would help you overcome. How does further study at Stetson University fit into your long-term goals?
• Personality: Include personal anecdotes that reveal your values and character. What drives you? What challenges have you faced, and how have they shaped you?

Outlining Your Essay

With your material organized, create an outline that flows logically. Start with an engaging introduction that draws the reader in, perhaps by sharing a pivotal moment in your life. Follow with body paragraphs that delve into each of the four buckets, ensuring each paragraph focuses on one idea. Conclude with a strong statement that ties your experiences to your future goals and the scholarship’s potential impact.

Drafting Voice and Style

As you draft your essay, maintain an active voice. Use specific examples and details to illustrate your points. Avoid vague statements; instead, show your passion through concrete actions and results. Each paragraph should transition smoothly to the next, enhancing the overall coherence of your narrative.

Revision & “So What?”

After completing your first draft, take a step back and revise with a critical eye. Ask yourself, “So what?” for each section. Does it clearly convey your journey and aspirations? Ensure that your reflections demonstrate personal growth and a commitment to making a difference. Seek feedback from peers or mentors to refine your message.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of several common pitfalls:

• Avoid clichés and generic statements that do not add value to your narrative.
• Do not rely on passive voice; ensure that your achievements and actions are front and center.
• Steer clear of vague generalizations; specificity is key in illustrating your journey.
• Finally, do not fabricate experiences or achievements; authenticity is crucial in your essay.