How to Craft Your Essay for the William D. Law, Sr. Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

To create a compelling narrative, gather material across four key areas:

• Background: What experiences have shaped your educational journey? Consider family influences, community involvement, or significant challenges you've faced.
• Achievements: Identify specific accomplishments that demonstrate your capabilities. Use metrics and tangible outcomes, such as leadership roles, academic honors, or community service projects.
• The Gap: Reflect on what you currently lack in your education or skills. Articulate why further study at Tallahassee State College is essential for your growth and future impact.
• Personality: Share personal anecdotes that reveal your values, interests, and motivations. This humanizes your essay and helps the committee connect with you on a deeper level.

Outline Your Essay

Organize your thoughts into a clear structure. A typical outline might include:

1. Introduction: Start with a vivid scene or moment that encapsulates your journey or aspirations.
2. Background: Discuss your formative experiences and how they shaped your goals.
3. Achievements: Highlight your key accomplishments and their impact.
4. The Gap: Explain what you seek to gain from this scholarship and how it will facilitate your educational journey.
5. Personality: Conclude with a personal reflection that ties your experiences and aspirations together.

Drafting Voice and Style

As you draft your essay, maintain an active voice and focus on clarity. Avoid vague statements and clichés; instead, provide specific examples and insights. Each paragraph should convey one main idea, ensuring a logical flow from one section to the next. Remember to reflect on your experiences and their significance—ask yourself, “So what?” after each major point.

Revision and “So What?”

After drafting, take a break before revising to gain perspective. During revision, check for coherence, clarity, and engagement. Ensure that every section answers the implicit question of why your experiences matter. Seek feedback from trusted peers or mentors to refine your message and style.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of these common mistakes:

• Avoid starting with clichés or generic statements. Open with a specific moment that draws the reader in.
• Steer clear of vague expressions of passion without evidence. Use concrete examples to illustrate your commitment.
• Do not rely on passive voice; ensure you are the active subject in your narrative.
• Refrain from including invented facts or experiences. Authenticity is key to building trust with the committee.