How to Craft Your Essay for the Nan C. & Mark Hillis Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

To effectively convey your story, consider the following four material buckets:

• Background: Reflect on your personal history, including family influences, educational experiences, and any challenges you've faced. What shaped your values and aspirations?
• Achievements: Identify key accomplishments in your academic and extracurricular life. Quantify your impact where possible—think about leadership roles, projects, or community service that demonstrate responsibility and outcomes.
• The Gap: Assess what you currently lack in your education or experience that this scholarship could help you address. Be specific about how further study at Tallahassee State College will bridge this gap.
• Personality: Infuse your essay with personal details that showcase your character. What are your passions, values, and motivations? How do these aspects drive your academic and career aspirations?

Outline Your Essay

Creating an outline will help you structure your essay logically. Consider the following format:

1. Introduction: Start with a compelling moment or scene that captures your journey. Avoid generic statements and instead draw the reader in with a vivid image or anecdote.
2. Body Paragraphs: Dedicate each paragraph to one of the four buckets. Use the STAR method to describe specific situations, tasks, actions, and results related to your achievements and background.
3. Conclusion: Reflect on your experiences and articulate your commitment to making an impact in your field. Connect your goals back to the scholarship and how it will facilitate your journey.

Drafting Voice and Style

As you draft your essay, maintain an active voice and focus on clarity. Each paragraph should contain one main idea, supported by specific examples. Avoid vague statements and clichés; instead, provide concrete details that illustrate your journey and aspirations.

Revision and “So What?”

After drafting, take a step back and review your essay critically. Ask yourself, “So what?” after each section. What insights or reflections do you provide that demonstrate growth or understanding? Ensure that your essay answers the scholarship prompt while highlighting your unique contributions and potential.

Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of common mistakes:

• Avoid clichés and generic statements that do not add value to your narrative.
• Do not fabricate experiences or achievements; authenticity is crucial.
• Steer clear of overly complex language or jargon that may confuse the reader.
• Ensure your essay is cohesive, with clear transitions between sections that guide the reader through your story.