How to Write Your Essay for the LTC John F. Kerby Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

Your essay should encompass four key areas: background, achievements, the gap, and personality. Consider the following questions:

• Background: What experiences have shaped your desire to pursue a military career? Consider family influences, community involvement, or significant events.
• Achievements: What accomplishments can you quantify? Think about leadership roles, academic performance, or community service that demonstrate your commitment and skills.
• The Gap: What are the areas where you seek growth? Identify specific skills or knowledge that further education will help you acquire, particularly in relation to your ROTC goals.
• Personality: What personal qualities make you a unique candidate? Share anecdotes that reveal your values, work ethic, and how you handle challenges.

Creating an Outline

Once you have gathered your ideas, organize them into a coherent outline. Each section of your essay should correspond to one of the four buckets. Use the following structure:

1. Introduction: Start with a compelling moment or scene that captures your motivation.
2. Background: Discuss your formative experiences and how they influenced your decision to pursue ROTC.
3. Achievements: Highlight your key accomplishments, using specific metrics where possible.
4. The Gap: Explain what you hope to gain from further study and how it will aid your military aspirations.
5. Personality: Share personal anecdotes that illustrate your character and values.
6. Conclusion: Reflect on your journey and articulate your commitment to making a positive impact through your military service.

Drafting Voice and Style

As you write, maintain an active voice and focus on clarity. Avoid clichés and vague statements. Each paragraph should convey a single idea, with transitions that guide the reader logically through your narrative. Aim for specificity; use concrete examples and metrics to support your claims.

Revision and Reflection: The “So What?” Factor

After drafting, take a step back and review your essay. Ask yourself, “So what?” for each section. Reflect on how your experiences and aspirations connect to the scholarship's goals. Ensure that your essay not only tells your story but also demonstrates your potential for leadership and impact in the ROTC program.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of these common mistakes:

• Avoid starting with generic statements or clichés.
• Do not exaggerate or fabricate experiences; authenticity is crucial.
• Steer clear of passive voice where an active subject exists.
• Ensure that every section contributes meaningfully to your overall narrative.