Crafting Your Essay for the Gene and Julie Moran Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

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

• Background: Reflect on your personal history, including experiences that shaped your academic journey. Consider family influences, community involvement, or significant events that motivated you to pursue higher education.
• Achievements: List your accomplishments, focusing on quantifiable outcomes. Highlight leadership roles, academic honors, or community service that demonstrate your commitment and capability.
• The Gap: Identify what you currently lack in your educational journey and how this scholarship will help you bridge that gap. Be specific about your academic goals and how this scholarship aligns with them.
• Personality: Infuse your essay with personal anecdotes and values that reveal who you are beyond your achievements. This humanizing detail can make your application memorable.

Outline Your Essay

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

1. Introduction: Start with a concrete moment or scene that captures your journey or motivation.
2. Body Paragraphs: Each paragraph should focus on one of the four buckets. Use the STAR method to structure your achievements and challenges, detailing the situation, task, action, and result.
3. Conclusion: Reflect on how the scholarship will impact your future and reaffirm your commitment to making a difference.

Drafting Voice and Style

As you draft, maintain an active voice and be specific. Avoid generalizations and clichés. Instead of stating your passion, illustrate it through examples and experiences. Each paragraph should transition smoothly to the next, creating a cohesive narrative.

Revision and “So What?”

After completing your draft, take a step back and review it critically. Ask yourself, “So what?” for each section. Ensure that every paragraph contributes to your overall message and reflects your unique story. Consider seeking feedback from mentors or peers to gain additional perspectives.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of these common mistakes:

• Avoid vague statements and empty superlatives. Specificity is key.
• Steer clear of passive voice where an active subject exists.
• Do not invent facts or embellish your experiences; authenticity is crucial.
• Refrain from using clichés or generic phrases that dilute your message.