How to Write Your First National Bank Scholarship Essay

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

Organize your thoughts into the four material buckets: background, achievements, the gap, and personality.

• Background: Consider experiences that have shaped your educational journey. What challenges have you faced? How have these experiences influenced your goals?
• Achievements: List significant accomplishments, focusing on metrics and outcomes. What projects have you led? What responsibilities have you taken on? Include specific numbers or impacts where possible.
• The Gap: Identify what you still need to achieve your goals. How does attending Johnson County Community College fit into this picture? What skills or knowledge do you hope to gain?
• Personality: Think about what makes you unique. What values drive you? Share personal anecdotes that highlight your character and commitment to your community.

Outlining Your Essay

With your material organized, create an outline. Start with an engaging opening that captures attention—consider beginning with a specific moment or story that illustrates your journey. Follow this with sections that delve into each of the four buckets, ensuring each paragraph focuses on a single idea. Conclude with a strong closing that reinforces your commitment to your education and future goals.

Drafting Voice and Style

As you draft your essay, use an active voice and specific language. Avoid vague statements and clichés. Instead of saying you are passionate about your field, demonstrate this through your experiences and aspirations. Each section should reflect your growth and insights, answering the “So what?” question. How have your experiences prepared you for future challenges?

Revision and “So What?”

After completing your draft, take a break before revising. This will help you view your work with fresh eyes. Focus on clarity and coherence. Ensure each paragraph transitions smoothly to the next and that your main points are well-supported. Reflect on how your essay answers the prompt and what it reveals about you. Does it effectively communicate your journey and future ambitions?

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of common mistakes in scholarship essays. Avoid starting with clichés or overly broad statements. Ensure that all claims are backed by specific examples and avoid passive voice where possible. Double-check that you haven’t invented any facts or experiences; authenticity is crucial. Lastly, keep your essay within the specified word limit and adhere to any formatting guidelines provided by the scholarship committee.