Michael Murphy Memorial Scholarship Essay Guide

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

Organize your thoughts into four material buckets: background, achievements, the gap, and personality.

• Background: Reflect on your life experiences that have shaped your educational and career aspirations. Consider family influences, community involvement, or challenges you have faced.
• Achievements: List your notable accomplishments, both academically and outside the classroom. Include metrics or specific outcomes to quantify your impact.
• The Gap: Identify what you lack in your current experience that further study will address. Explain why this scholarship is essential for your educational goals.
• Personality: Share personal anecdotes that reveal your values and character. This humanizing detail will help the committee connect with you on a personal level.

Creating an Outline

Your outline should follow a logical progression. Start with a captivating opening that draws the reader in, perhaps a specific moment from your background. Then, transition into your achievements, followed by a discussion of the gap in your education, and conclude with a reflection on your personality and aspirations. Each section should build upon the last, leading to a cohesive narrative.

Drafting Voice and Style

When drafting, use an active voice to convey your experiences and insights. Avoid clichés and general statements; instead, focus on specific details that illustrate your journey. Each paragraph should center around one main idea, ensuring clarity and coherence throughout your essay.

Revision and “So What?”

After completing your draft, take a step back and review your work. Ask yourself, “So what?” for each section. Ensure that your reflections clearly articulate your growth and why it matters to the committee. This critical analysis will help strengthen your essay and make it more compelling.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of the following pitfalls:

• Avoid vague statements about your passion or interests without backing them up with examples.
• Steer clear of passive voice and bureaucratic language that can obscure your message.
• Do not include invented facts or experiences; authenticity is key to building trust with the committee.