How to Craft Your Essay for the Ted & Holly Rollins Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

Organizing your thoughts into four material buckets will help structure your essay:

• Background: Identify key experiences that have shaped your identity and aspirations. Consider family influences, cultural background, or significant life events.
• Achievements: Highlight specific accomplishments that demonstrate your skills and commitment. Use metrics or tangible outcomes to illustrate your impact, such as leadership roles, community service, or academic successes.
• The Gap: Reflect on what you currently lack in your educational journey. Explain how this scholarship will bridge that gap, facilitating your growth and future contributions.
• Personality: Share personal anecdotes that reveal your values, motivations, and character. This humanizes your application and helps the committee connect with you on a personal level.

Outline Your Essay

Creating a clear outline is crucial for a coherent essay:

1. Introduction: Start with a compelling moment or anecdote that draws the reader in. Avoid generic statements.
2. Body Paragraphs: Dedicate each paragraph to one of the four buckets. Ensure each paragraph has a clear main idea and flows logically to the next.
3. Conclusion: Reflect on how the scholarship aligns with your future goals. Reinforce your commitment to making a positive impact.

Drafting Voice and Style

When drafting your essay, use an active voice and specific language. Avoid clichés and vague expressions of passion. Instead, focus on concrete details and personal insights that illustrate your journey and aspirations. Each paragraph should answer the question “So what?” to emphasize the importance of your experiences.

Revision and “So What?”

After completing your draft, take time to revise. Look for clarity and coherence, ensuring that each section contributes to a unified narrative. Ask yourself how each part of your essay answers the “So what?” question. This reflection will help reinforce the significance of your experiences and goals.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of these common mistakes:

• Avoid starting with clichés or generic statements that do not engage the reader.
• Do not include vague claims about your passions without providing evidence or examples.
• Steer clear of passive voice; always aim for an active, engaging tone.
• Ensure all facts and experiences are truthful and verifiable, avoiding any embellishments.