How to Write Your Essay for the Presidential Leadership Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

Organize your thoughts into four material buckets: Background, Achievements, The Gap, and Personality.

• Background: Reflect on your formative experiences. What events or influences shaped your identity and leadership style? Consider volunteer work, family influences, or personal challenges.
• Achievements: List significant accomplishments that demonstrate your leadership capabilities. Use metrics where possible—such as the number of people you led, projects you initiated, or goals you achieved.
• The Gap: Identify areas where you seek growth through further study. What skills or knowledge do you currently lack that this scholarship will help you develop?
• Personality: Think about what makes you unique. Consider values, interests, and experiences that give depth to your character. How do these traits inform your leadership style?

Creating an Outline

Structure your essay logically. Start with an engaging introduction that presents a concrete moment or scene from your life. Follow with a section on your background, then achievements, and address the gap in your education. Conclude with reflections on your personality and how these elements intertwine to shape your future goals.

Drafting Voice and Style

Write in an active voice to convey your agency and impact. Use specific examples and avoid generalizations. Each paragraph should focus on one main idea, supported by evidence or anecdotes. Ensure that your writing reflects your personality while maintaining a professional tone.

Revision and the “So What?” Factor

After drafting, take a step back and assess your essay. Reflect on what changed in you through the experiences you described. Why does your story matter to the committee? Ensure that every section answers the “So what?” question, demonstrating your potential impact as a future leader.

Pitfalls to Avoid

Steer clear of clichés and vague statements. Avoid passive voice and bureaucratic language that obscures your message. Do not fabricate experiences or achievements; authenticity is key. Lastly, ensure your essay is free of grammatical errors and flows logically from one idea to the next.