How to Write Your Gannon Leadership Program Scholarship Essay

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

Organize your thoughts into four key areas:

• Background: Identify formative experiences that shaped your leadership journey. Consider family influences, educational experiences, or community involvement that sparked your interest in leadership.
• Achievements: Highlight specific accomplishments that demonstrate your leadership skills. Use metrics and outcomes to quantify your impact, such as leading a project that increased participation by a certain percentage.
• The Gap: Reflect on areas where you seek growth. What skills or knowledge do you hope to gain through the Gannon Leadership Program that you currently lack?
• Personality: Infuse your essay with personal anecdotes that reveal your values and character. Think about moments that illustrate your resilience, empathy, or commitment to making a difference.

Outlining Your Essay

Start with a clear outline to organize your thoughts. A typical structure might include:

1. Introduction: Begin with an engaging moment or anecdote that sets the stage for your leadership journey.
2. Body Paragraphs: Dedicate sections to each of the four buckets, ensuring each paragraph focuses on one main idea. Use transitions to connect your thoughts logically.
3. Conclusion: Reflect on how the Gannon Leadership Program will help you achieve your goals and contribute to the community.

Drafting Voice and Style

As you draft your essay, aim for an active voice that reflects your agency. Use specific examples and avoid vague statements. Each paragraph should advance your narrative, answering the “So what?” question by explaining the significance of your experiences and aspirations.

Revision and “So What?”

After drafting, take a step back and review your essay. Look for clarity and coherence. Ensure each section connects back to the main themes of leadership and personal growth. Ask yourself what insights you want the committee to take away and refine your essay to emphasize those points.

Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of common pitfalls:

• Avoid clichés and generic statements that do not add value to your narrative.
• Steer clear of passive voice and bureaucratic language; keep your writing direct and engaging.
• Do not fabricate experiences or exaggerate achievements; authenticity is crucial in your application.