How to Write Your Essay for the Susan Joy Smith Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

Organize your thoughts into four key areas: background, achievements, the gap, and personality.

• Background: Identify formative experiences that shaped your educational and career aspirations. Consider challenges you have faced and how they influenced your path.
• Achievements: List specific accomplishments, including academic honors, leadership roles, or community service. Use metrics and outcomes to illustrate your impact.
• The Gap: Reflect on what you currently lack in terms of knowledge or experience and how further study at the University of North Florida will help you bridge that gap.
• Personality: Think about personal traits that define you. What values guide your decisions? Include anecdotes that reveal your character and motivations.

Structuring Your Outline

Once you have gathered material from the four buckets, create an outline that flows logically. Each section of your essay should build on the previous one, culminating in a strong conclusion.

1. Introduction: Start with a concrete moment or experience that captures the reader's attention.
2. Body Paragraphs: Dedicate each paragraph to a specific idea—background, achievements, gap, and personality—ensuring each section answers the “So what?” question.
3. Conclusion: Reinforce your commitment to your goals and how the scholarship will enable you to make a meaningful impact.

Drafting Voice and Style

As you draft your essay, maintain an active voice and specific language. Avoid vague statements and clichés. Instead of saying you are passionate about a subject, provide examples of how you have engaged with that subject in real-world contexts. Aim for clarity and conciseness in your writing.

Revision and the “So What?” Factor

After completing your draft, take a step back and review it critically. Ensure that each section reflects your unique journey and answers the “So what?” question. Ask yourself how each paragraph contributes to the overall narrative of your commitment to your education and community.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of common mistakes that can detract from your essay:

• Avoid using clichés or overused phrases that do not add value to your narrative.
• Do not include invented facts or embellishments; authenticity is crucial.
• Steer clear of passive voice where an active subject exists, as it weakens your writing.
• Ensure that your essay remains focused and does not stray into unrelated topics.