How to Write Your Essay for the Kathleen M. McAloon Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

Gather material to strengthen your essay by exploring the following four buckets:

• Background: Reflect on your upbringing, education, and experiences that have shaped your identity. Consider significant moments that influenced your academic journey.
• Achievements: Identify key accomplishments in your academic, extracurricular, or community service activities. Use specific metrics or outcomes to illustrate your impact, such as leadership roles or projects you initiated.
• The Gap: Acknowledge areas where you seek growth. Discuss what you currently lack in skills or knowledge and how the scholarship will help bridge that gap, enabling you to achieve your academic and career aspirations.
• Personality: Infuse your essay with personal anecdotes that reveal your values and character. Share specific experiences that highlight your resilience, commitment, and passion for your field of study.

Outline Your Essay

Creating an outline will help you organize your thoughts and ensure a logical flow in your essay. Consider structuring your essay as follows:

1. Introduction: Start with a concrete moment or scene that captures your journey. This could be a pivotal experience that reflects your motivations.
2. Body Paragraphs: Dedicate one paragraph to each of the four buckets. Ensure each paragraph has a clear focus and includes specific details that answer the “So what?” question.
3. Conclusion: Reflect on your future goals and how the scholarship will empower you to achieve them. Reiterate your commitment to making a positive impact in your community or field.

Drafting Voice and Style

When drafting your essay, maintain an active voice and use specific language. Avoid vague phrases and clichés; instead, focus on your unique experiences and insights. Each paragraph should convey a single idea, with clear transitions that guide the reader through your narrative.

Revision and the “So What?” Factor

Once you have a draft, take time to revise. Ask yourself if each section answers the “So what?” question. What changed in you through your experiences, and why does it matter? Seek feedback from peers or mentors to gain different perspectives on your essay's clarity and impact.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

As you refine your essay, be mindful of these common mistakes:

• Avoid starting with clichés or overly broad statements. Instead, engage the reader with a specific moment.
• Do not rely on vague expressions of passion. Back up your enthusiasm with concrete examples.
• Steer clear of passive voice; keep your writing active and engaging.
• Do not invent facts or embellish your experiences. Authenticity is key to making a genuine connection with the committee.