How to Write Your Essay for the Robert T. O'Gorman Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

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

• Background: Reflect on your life experiences that have shaped your educational and career aspirations. Consider family influences, cultural background, or significant events.
• Achievements: List your accomplishments, focusing on quantifiable outcomes. Include academic successes, leadership roles, or community service that demonstrate your impact.
• The Gap: Identify what you lack in your current education or experiences. Explain how the Robert T. O'Gorman Scholarship will help bridge this gap and enhance your future.
• Personality: Infuse your narrative with personal details that reveal your values and motivations. This could include hobbies, interests, or pivotal moments that define who you are.

Creating an Outline

With your material organized, draft an outline. Each section of your essay should correspond to one of the four buckets, ensuring a logical flow. Start with an engaging opening that captures the reader's attention, followed by your background, achievements, gap, and personality. Conclude with a strong statement about your future goals and how the scholarship will help you achieve them.

Drafting Voice and Style

As you write your essay, maintain an active voice. Use specific examples to support your claims and avoid vague statements. Each paragraph should focus on one main idea, with clear transitions to guide the reader through your narrative. Remember to reflect on your experiences and articulate why they matter.

Revision and “So What?”

After drafting, take a break before revising. Read your essay critically, asking yourself if each section answers the “So what?” question. This reflection will help ensure your essay is not only informative but also impactful. Seek feedback from peers or mentors, and revise accordingly.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of clichés and generic statements. Avoid starting with phrases like “From a young age” or “I have always been passionate about.” Instead, dive straight into a specific moment or experience. Additionally, steer clear of vague superlatives and ensure that all facts presented are accurate and verifiable.