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How to Write Your Essay for the Michael J. Dubose Scholarship
By Daur, ScholarshipTop founder and scholarship data reviewer
Reviewed by ScholarshipTop editorial review · Published Apr 24, 2026
ScholarshipTop editorial guide. Writing guidance does not guarantee eligibility, selection, or award payment.
Understanding the Prompt
The Michael J. Dubose Business Excellence Scholarship aims to support students affiliated with Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity. Your essay should reflect not only your academic and professional aspirations but also your connection to the fraternity and how it has influenced your journey. Consider what the scholarship committee values in candidates and how you can align your narrative with those expectations.
Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets
To create a compelling essay, gather material from the following four buckets:
- Background: Reflect on your upbringing, education, and experiences that have shaped your identity. Consider moments that sparked your interest in business or leadership.
- Achievements: Identify your key accomplishments, particularly those relevant to business or community service. Use metrics and specific examples to illustrate your impact, such as leading a project or achieving a goal.
- The Gap: Acknowledge areas where you seek growth. What skills or knowledge do you lack that further education can provide? Be honest and specific about how the scholarship will help you bridge this gap.
- Personality: Infuse your essay with personal details that reveal your values and character. Share anecdotes that demonstrate resilience, dedication, or a commitment to community.
Creating an Outline
Organize your thoughts into a clear outline. A suggested structure might include:
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- Introduction: Start with a vivid moment or scene that captures your journey or motivation.
- Background: Discuss your formative experiences and how they relate to your aspirations.
- Achievements: Highlight key accomplishments, using the STAR method to detail your contributions.
- The Gap: Explain what you hope to gain from further study and how it aligns with your goals.
- Personality: Share personal anecdotes that reflect your character and values.
- Conclusion: Reinforce your commitment to using your education for positive impact.
Drafting Voice
As you draft, maintain an active voice and focus on clarity. Avoid clichés and generic statements. Instead of saying, “I have always been passionate about business,” consider sharing a specific experience that ignited your interest. Ensure that each paragraph conveys a single idea and transitions smoothly to the next.
Revision & “So What?”
After drafting, take a step back and review your essay critically. Ask yourself: “So what?” for each section. What insights or reflections have you gained? How do your experiences connect to your future goals? Ensure that your essay not only tells your story but also highlights your potential for impact.
Pitfalls to Avoid
Be mindful of common pitfalls such as:
- Using vague language or empty superlatives.
- Relying on passive voice instead of active constructions.
- Including irrelevant details that do not support your narrative.
- Forgetting to connect your experiences to your aspirations and the scholarship’s mission.
FAQ
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