How to Craft Your Essay for the Mark and Katherine Cobb Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

Organize your thoughts into four material buckets to structure your essay effectively:

• Background: Reflect on your personal history, including experiences that shaped your educational and career aspirations. Consider family influences, community involvement, or significant challenges you've overcome.
• Achievements: Identify key accomplishments that demonstrate your skills and potential. Use specific metrics and outcomes, such as leadership roles, academic performance, or community service, to highlight your impact.
• The Gap: Acknowledge what you currently lack in your education or experience and explain how the scholarship will help bridge that gap. Be specific about your goals and the skills you wish to develop.
• Personality: Infuse your essay with personal details that showcase your values and character. This could include anecdotes that illustrate your passions and motivations.

Creating an Outline

With your material organized, create an outline that flows logically. Start with an engaging opening that draws the reader in with a specific moment or story. Follow with sections that cover each of the four buckets, ensuring each paragraph has a clear main idea and transitions smoothly to the next.

Drafting Voice and Style

As you draft, maintain an active voice and specific language. Avoid clichés and vague statements. Instead of saying, “I have always been passionate about education,” share a concrete moment that illustrates your commitment to learning. Remember to reflect on why these experiences matter and how they connect to your future goals.

Revision and the “So What?” Factor

After your first draft, take a step back and review your work. Ask yourself, “So what?” for each major point. Ensure that your essay not only tells your story but also communicates your potential impact as a future student at Stetson University. Seek feedback from peers or mentors to refine your message.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of the following pitfalls:

• Avoid starting with generic statements or clichés. Instead, use a specific moment to hook the reader.
• Do not include vague expressions of passion without concrete examples.
• Steer clear of passive voice; always highlight your actions and decisions.
• Ensure all details are accurate and verifiable; do not fabricate experiences or achievements.