How to Craft Your Dr. Michael McLatchy Scholarship Essay

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

Organize your thoughts into four key material buckets: Background, Achievements, The Gap, and Personality.

• Background: Reflect on your personal history and experiences that have shaped your educational journey. Consider family influences, cultural background, or significant life events.
• Achievements: List your accomplishments, focusing on metrics and outcomes. Highlight leadership roles, community service, or academic achievements that demonstrate your capabilities.
• The Gap: Identify what you currently lack in your education and how this scholarship will help you bridge that gap. Be specific about your educational goals and how they align with your career aspirations.
• Personality: Share humanizing details that reflect your values, interests, and character. This could include hobbies, volunteer work, or personal challenges you've overcome.

Outline Your Essay

Creating a structured outline will help you organize your ideas logically. Start with an engaging introduction that draws the reader in. Follow with body paragraphs that cover each of the four buckets, ensuring each paragraph focuses on a single idea. Conclude with a strong closing that reiterates your commitment to your goals and the impact of the scholarship.

Drafting Voice and Style

Write in an active voice and maintain a confident yet humble tone. Avoid clichés and ensure that your passion is backed by specific examples. Each section should reflect on your growth, answering the question, “So what?”—why your experiences matter and how they prepare you for future challenges.

Revision & “So What?”

After drafting, take a break before revising. Look for areas where you can enhance clarity and specificity. Ensure each paragraph transitions smoothly to the next, maintaining a logical flow. Ask yourself if each section answers the “So what?” question, reflecting on the significance of your experiences and aspirations.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of these common mistakes:

• Avoid starting with generic statements or clichés.
• Do not include vague claims about your passion without supporting evidence.
• Steer clear of passive voice; make sure your actions are clear.
• Ensure all facts are accurate and verifiable; do not invent details.