How to Craft Your Essay for the Marilyn McCallister Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

To create a compelling narrative, gather material across four key areas:

• Background: Reflect on your personal history, including family influences, community involvement, and formative experiences that shaped your educational journey.
• Achievements: List significant accomplishments, both academic and extracurricular. Quantify your achievements with specific metrics, such as GPA, awards, or leadership roles.
• The Gap: Identify gaps in your current education or resources. Explain why further study at Clackamas Community College is essential for your personal and professional development.
• Personality: Highlight personal qualities, values, and unique experiences that differentiate you from other applicants. Include anecdotes that reveal your character.

Creating an Outline

Organize your thoughts into a clear outline based on the material you've gathered. Each section of your essay should address one of the four buckets:

1. Introduction: Start with a specific moment or anecdote that captures your journey.
2. Background: Discuss your history and influences.
3. Achievements: Detail your accomplishments and their significance.
4. The Gap: Explain your educational needs and how the scholarship fits.
5. Personality: Share personal stories that highlight your values.
6. Conclusion: Reinforce your commitment to making a positive impact through your education.

Drafting Voice and Style

Write in an active voice, focusing on clarity and specificity. Avoid clichés and broad statements; instead, use concrete examples to illustrate your points. Each paragraph should focus on a single idea, with clear transitions that guide the reader through your narrative.

Revision and “So What?”

After drafting, take time to revise your essay. Ask yourself: What changed in me through this experience? Why does it matter? Ensure that every section of your essay answers this question, providing insight into your growth and future aspirations.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of common mistakes:

• Avoid vague language and empty superlatives. Be specific about your experiences and achievements.
• Steer clear of passive voice; always highlight your actions.
• Do not fabricate details or use generic phrases that could apply to anyone.