How to Write a Winning Essay for the Leigh Ann Jennings Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

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

• Background: Reflect on your personal history. Consider formative experiences, challenges you've faced, and influences that shaped your educational journey.
• Achievements: List your significant accomplishments, focusing on metrics or outcomes. What projects have you led? What skills have you developed? Be specific.
• The Gap: Identify areas where you seek growth. What knowledge or skills do you need to advance your education and career? How does this scholarship help bridge that gap?
• Personality: Think about what makes you unique. Include personal anecdotes that reveal your values, motivations, and character.

Outline Your Essay

Structure is key to a compelling essay. Create an outline that follows a logical flow. Start with an engaging introduction that draws the reader in with a specific moment or story. Then, move through your background, achievements, gap, and personality in a cohesive manner. Each section should build upon the last, leading to a strong conclusion.

Drafting Voice and Style

When drafting your essay, use an active voice and be specific in your descriptions. Avoid clichés and vague statements; instead, focus on concrete details that showcase your experiences and aspirations. Each paragraph should center on one idea, with clear transitions to guide the reader through your narrative.

Revision and the “So What?” Factor

After completing your draft, take a step back and review your work. Ask yourself, “So what?” for each section. What insights have you gained? How do your experiences relate to your future goals and the scholarship's purpose? Ensure that your reflections are clear and meaningful, reinforcing your commitment to making a positive impact.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of common mistakes that can undermine your essay. Avoid using generic openers or filler phrases. Steer clear of empty superlatives; instead, support your claims with evidence. Lastly, ensure all details are truthful and verifiable, as authenticity is crucial in scholarship applications.