How to Write a Compelling Essay for the Susan M. Kiley Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

To create a well-rounded essay, gather material across four key areas:

• Background: Consider your personal journey, including challenges you've faced and the influences that have shaped your educational path. What experiences have led you to Waubonsee Community College?
• Achievements: Highlight specific accomplishments, such as academic successes, leadership roles, or community service. Use metrics where possible—grades, hours volunteered, or projects completed—to demonstrate your impact.
• The Gap: Identify what you currently lack and explain how this scholarship will help bridge that gap. Be specific about your educational and professional goals and how the funding will facilitate your progress.
• Personality: Infuse your essay with personal anecdotes that reveal your values and character. Consider how your unique perspective will contribute to the Waubonsee community.

Creating an Outline

Organize your thoughts into a coherent outline. A suggested structure could be:

1. Introduction: Start with a compelling moment or story that captures your journey.
2. Background: Discuss your influences and experiences that led you to pursue higher education.
3. Achievements: Highlight your key accomplishments and their significance.
4. The Gap: Clearly articulate what you need and how the scholarship will help.
5. Conclusion: Reflect on your commitment to your goals and the impact you wish to make.

Drafting Voice and Tone

Your writing should be active and engaging. Avoid clichés and vague statements. Instead of saying, “I have always been passionate about education,” provide a specific example of a moment that ignited your passion. Ensure each paragraph focuses on a single idea and flows logically to the next, guiding the reader through your narrative.

Revision and “So What?”

After drafting, take time to revise. Ask yourself, “So what?” for each section. What insights have you gained, and why do they matter? Ensure that your essay not only tells your story but also reflects on how your experiences have shaped your goals and values. Seek feedback from peers or mentors to refine your message.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of the following pitfalls:

• Avoid starting with generic statements or clichés that do not add value to your essay.
• Steer clear of vague language; instead, use specific examples and metrics to support your claims.
• Do not rely on passive voice; keep your writing active and engaging.
• Ensure all content is authentic and reflective of your true experiences and aspirations.