Crafting Your Essay for the Pat Kelly Leadership Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

Organize your thoughts into four material buckets: Background, Achievements, The Gap, and Personality.

• Background: Reflect on experiences that shaped your leadership style. Consider family, education, or community involvement.
• Achievements: List specific accomplishments, focusing on metrics and outcomes. How have you demonstrated leadership in your academic or extracurricular activities?
• The Gap: Identify areas where you seek growth. What skills or knowledge do you hope to gain from further education?
• Personality: Include humanizing details that reflect your values and character. What motivates you? What unique perspectives do you bring?

Outline Your Essay Structure

Creating a clear outline will help you organize your essay logically. Start with an engaging hook—perhaps a specific moment that illustrates your leadership journey. Follow with sections that address each of the four buckets, ensuring each paragraph focuses on one idea. Conclude with a strong statement about your commitment to making an impact.

Drafting Voice and Style

As you draft, use an active voice and specific language. Avoid clichés and vague statements. Instead of saying, "I have always been passionate about leadership," provide a concrete example of a leadership role you undertook and its impact. Remember to reflect on what you learned from each experience and why it matters.

Revision and “So What?” Reflection

After completing your draft, take a step back to revise. Ask yourself, “So what?” for each major point. Ensure that your essay not only tells your story but also demonstrates how your experiences align with the values of the scholarship. Seek feedback from peers or mentors to refine your message.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of common mistakes. Avoid generic statements and ensure your essay is personalized. Do not invent facts or embellish experiences; authenticity is crucial. Lastly, steer clear of passive voice and bureaucratic language—your essay should reflect your voice and vision.