How to Craft Your KPMG Scholarship Essay

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

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

• Background: Reflect on your life experiences that have shaped your educational journey. Consider family influences, challenges you’ve overcome, or pivotal moments that directed you toward your current path.
• Achievements: List your academic and extracurricular accomplishments. Use specific metrics where possible. For example, mention leadership roles, projects completed, or community service hours logged.
• The Gap: Identify what you currently lack in your education that this scholarship will help you address. Be specific about how further study at Johnson County Community College will bridge this gap.
• Personality: Share unique aspects of your character. What values drive you? Include anecdotes that reveal your motivations and aspirations.

Structuring Your Essay

Once you have your material, outline your essay clearly. Start with an engaging opening that sets the scene or presents a compelling moment from your life. Follow with a logical progression of ideas, ensuring each paragraph focuses on a single concept. Use transitions effectively to connect your thoughts.

Drafting Voice and Style

As you draft, maintain an active voice and be specific. Avoid vague statements and ensure every claim is backed by evidence. Reflect on personal growth and insights gained from your experiences. This will help you answer the crucial “So what?” question throughout your essay.

Revision and Reflection

After drafting, take a break before revising. This distance will provide clarity. Review your essay for coherence, ensuring each paragraph contributes to your overall narrative. Ask yourself how your experiences have prepared you for future challenges and how the scholarship will impact your goals.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of common mistakes. Avoid clichés and generic statements, as these can dilute your message. Ensure you do not fabricate details or use passive voice unnecessarily. Lastly, steer clear of emotional appeals that lack supporting evidence; focus instead on concrete achievements and future aspirations.