How to Write Your Essay for the Julia Moynihan Hickey Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

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

• Background: Reflect on your upbringing, community, and experiences that have shaped your identity. Consider significant moments that influenced your educational path.
• Achievements: List your academic accomplishments, leadership roles, and extracurricular activities. Use metrics and specific examples to illustrate your impact.
• The Gap: Identify what you feel is missing in your current experience or education. Explain how the scholarship will bridge this gap, enabling you to pursue your goals.
• Personality: Infuse your essay with personal anecdotes that reveal your values, interests, and motivations. This will help the committee connect with you on a human level.

Creating an Outline

Structure your essay logically to ensure clarity and flow. A suggested outline includes:

1. Introduction: Start with a concrete moment or scene that captures your journey.
2. Background: Discuss your upbringing and formative experiences.
3. Achievements: Highlight key accomplishments and their significance.
4. The Gap: Explain what you need to further your education and how the scholarship fits in.
5. Personality: Share a personal story that illustrates your character and values.
6. Conclusion: Reflect on your aspirations and the impact of the scholarship on your future.

Drafting Voice and Style

Maintain an active voice throughout your essay. Use specific details and examples to enhance your narrative. Avoid vague statements and clichés; instead, focus on genuine reflections and insights. Each paragraph should convey a single idea and transition smoothly to the next.

Revision and the “So What?” Factor

After drafting, take a step back and evaluate your essay. Ask yourself, “So what?” for each section. What changed in you through these experiences? Why does it matter to your future? Ensure that your reflections are clear and impactful, emphasizing your commitment to making a difference.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of these common mistakes:

• Avoid starting with clichés or generic statements.
• Steer clear of empty superlatives; provide evidence for your claims.
• Do not use passive voice when an active subject exists.
• Ensure all facts and experiences are truthful and verifiable.