How to Write an Essay for the Culligan Award

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

Organize your thoughts into four material buckets:

• Background: Reflect on your military service and how it has influenced your educational journey. Consider specific experiences that shaped your values and goals.
• Achievements: Identify key accomplishments, both academic and extracurricular. Use metrics where possible, such as GPA, leadership roles, or community service hours, to quantify your impact.
• The Gap: Acknowledge areas where further education is necessary for your growth. Discuss how the scholarship will help bridge this gap and enable you to achieve your goals.
• Personality: Share personal anecdotes that reveal your character and values. This could include challenges you’ve overcome or moments that inspired you.

Structuring Your Essay

Begin with a strong opening that draws the reader in. Use a specific moment or scene from your life to set the stage. Each paragraph should focus on a single idea, progressing logically from your background to your achievements, then to the gap, and finally your personality.

Drafting Voice and Reflection

Write in an active voice, emphasizing your role in your achievements and experiences. After each section, reflect on what you learned and why it matters. Answer the “So what?” question to connect your experiences to your future aspirations.

Revision and “So What?”

After drafting, take a break before revising. Look for clarity, coherence, and engagement. Ensure that each paragraph contributes to a cohesive narrative. Ask yourself if your essay answers the prompt effectively and whether it reflects your unique journey.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Avoid clichés and vague statements about passion without evidence. Steer clear of passive voice and overly bureaucratic language. Ensure that all facts are accurate and relevant to your experiences. Remember, the essay should be a reflection of your unique story, not a generic template.