How to Craft Your Essay for the Howe 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 your perspective. Consider how these elements relate to your desire for further education.
• Achievements: List significant accomplishments, including academic, extracurricular, or community service. Quantify these achievements where possible, such as leadership roles, awards, or projects that had measurable impacts.
• The Gap: Identify what you currently lack in your education or experience that this scholarship will help you address. Be specific about how further study at the University of West Florida will bridge this gap.
• Personality: Think about what makes you unique. Include personal anecdotes that reveal your values, interests, and motivations, providing a more humanizing touch to your application.

Structuring Your Outline

Once you have gathered your material, outline your essay. A strong structure will keep your narrative focused:

1. Introduction: Start with a compelling scene or moment that draws the reader in. Avoid generic openers.
2. Body Paragraphs: Each paragraph should focus on one idea, using the STAR method to illustrate your achievements and challenges. Transition smoothly between paragraphs to maintain logical flow.
3. Conclusion: Reflect on how your experiences have prepared you for future challenges and how the scholarship will facilitate your goals.

Drafting Voice and Style

As you draft, maintain an active voice and use specific details to support your claims. Avoid clichés and vague statements about passion. Instead, demonstrate your commitment through concrete examples and reflections on what you have learned from your experiences.

Revision & “So What?”

After completing your draft, take a step back. Review each section and ask yourself, “So what?” This question will help you refine your narrative, ensuring that each part of your essay contributes meaningfully to your overall argument. Seek feedback from peers or mentors to gain perspective on clarity and impact.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of these common mistakes:

• Avoid starting with clichés or vague statements.
• Do not use passive voice when you can specify an active subject.
• Steer clear of bureaucratic language; keep your writing clear and engaging.
• Do not fabricate experiences or achievements. Authenticity is key.