How to Write Your Essay for the John J. Swalec Sr. Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

To craft a compelling essay, gather material across these four categories:

• Background: Reflect on your upbringing, education, and experiences that have shaped your values and ambitions. Consider family influences, significant life events, or challenges you've overcome.
• Achievements: Identify key accomplishments in your academic and extracurricular activities. Use specific metrics or outcomes to illustrate your impact, such as leadership roles, awards, or community service initiatives.
• The Gap: Articulate what you currently lack in your education or skills and explain how this scholarship will bridge that gap. Be honest about your needs and how further study will enhance your capabilities.
• Personality: Include personal anecdotes that reveal your character, values, and motivations. This is your opportunity to humanize your application and connect with the committee on a personal level.

Creating an Outline

Organize your thoughts into a coherent outline. A suggested structure might include:

1. Introduction: Start with a specific moment or scene that captures your journey.
2. Background: Discuss your formative experiences and influences.
3. Achievements: Highlight significant accomplishments with evidence of impact.
4. The Gap: Explain how the scholarship will help you overcome current limitations.
5. Personality: Share personal stories that reflect your values and aspirations.
6. Conclusion: Reflect on your future goals and the role of the scholarship in achieving them.

Drafting with Voice and Clarity

When drafting your essay, maintain an active voice and ensure clarity in your writing. Avoid jargon and overly complex sentences. Each paragraph should focus on a single idea, and transitions should guide the reader logically from one point to the next. Start with a concrete moment to engage the reader immediately, and ensure that every section answers the “So what?” question regarding your experiences and aspirations.

Revision & “So What?”

After drafting, take time to revise. Look for areas where you can enhance specificity, such as adding numbers or timeframes to your achievements. Ask yourself what insights you gained from your experiences and how they shape your future goals. Ensure that your personality shines through while remaining focused on the scholarship's purpose.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of the following mistakes:

• Avoid clichés and vague statements that do not provide insight into your character or experiences.
• Do not use passive voice when describing your actions—be direct and assertive.
• Ensure all facts are accurate and verifiable; do not invent experiences or achievements.
• Steer clear of overly emotional language without concrete evidence to support your claims.