How to Craft Your Essay for the Van Der Hayden Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

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

• Background: Reflect on experiences that have shaped your educational and personal journey. Consider family influences, cultural background, or significant events.
• Achievements: List your accomplishments, focusing on quantifiable metrics. What projects have you led? What responsibilities have you undertaken? What outcomes resulted from your efforts?
• The Gap: Identify what you currently lack in your education or experience and how further study at Stetson University will help fill that gap. Be specific about your goals and aspirations.
• Personality: Include unique details that showcase your character. What values drive you? What are your passions outside of academics?

Structuring Your Outline

Your outline should follow a logical progression. Start with a compelling introduction that draws the reader in. Each paragraph should focus on one main idea, supported by evidence from your brainstorming.

Sample Outline Structure

1. Introduction: Open with a vivid scene or moment that reflects your journey.
2. Background: Discuss your formative experiences.
3. Achievements: Highlight key accomplishments and their impacts.
4. The Gap: Explain your educational goals and how Stetson will help you achieve them.
5. Personality: Share personal anecdotes that reveal your character.
6. Conclusion: Reflect on what you hope to accomplish with this scholarship.

Drafting Voice and Style

Use an active voice throughout your essay. Avoid clichés and vague statements; instead, focus on precise language that conveys your ideas clearly. Each paragraph should transition smoothly to the next, maintaining a logical flow of thought.

Revision and the “So What?” Factor

After drafting, take a step back and review your essay critically. Ask yourself, “So what?” for each section. Ensure that every paragraph reflects growth, insight, or a commitment to making a positive impact. Seek feedback from peers or mentors to refine your message further.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Steer clear of these common mistakes:

• Using generic openers or clichés that do not add value to your narrative.
• Filling your essay with abstract nouns and passive voice.
• Neglecting to provide specific examples or metrics to support your claims.
• Failing to connect your personal journey to your future goals.