Crafting Your Essay for the Michael Stokely Kelly Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

Organize your thoughts into four key material buckets: Background, Achievements, The Gap, and Personality. This structured approach helps ensure you cover all necessary aspects of your story.

• Background: Reflect on your upbringing, education, and formative experiences that have shaped your identity and aspirations.
• Achievements: List significant accomplishments, including academic, extracurricular, and community service. Use metrics and specific outcomes to demonstrate your impact.
• The Gap: Identify what you feel is missing in your current knowledge or skills and explain how this scholarship will help bridge that gap.
• Personality: Share unique personal details that reveal your values, interests, and motivations. This adds depth to your application.

Creating an Outline

Once you have gathered your material, create a clear outline. Organize your thoughts logically, ensuring each section flows into the next. Start with a strong hook that draws the reader in, followed by your background, achievements, the gap, and personality insights. Conclude with a reflection on how the scholarship will impact your future.

Drafting Voice and Style

When drafting your essay, use an active voice and specific language. Begin with an engaging scene or moment that encapsulates your journey. Avoid clichés and general statements; instead, focus on concrete details that illustrate your points. Remember to reflect on your experiences and articulate why they matter to your future goals.

Revision and the “So What?” Factor

After completing your draft, take a break before revising. Look for areas where you can enhance clarity and impact. Ask yourself, “So what?” for each section. Ensure that every paragraph contributes to a coherent narrative and reinforces why you deserve the scholarship.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be aware of common mistakes that can weaken your essay:

• Avoid vague language and empty superlatives that don’t provide substance.
• Steer clear of passive voice; always highlight your actions and contributions.
• Don’t invent facts or embellish your experiences; authenticity is crucial.
• Refrain from using clichés or generic statements that dilute your unique story.