How to Write an Essay for the Schultz/Schwantj Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

Organize your thoughts into four key areas:

• Background: Consider your upbringing, significant life events, and influences that have shaped you. What experiences led you to pursue your education at Florida Gateway College?
• Achievements: Identify your accomplishments, both academically and in your community. Use specific metrics or outcomes to illustrate your impact, such as volunteer hours, leadership roles, or projects you initiated.
• The Gap: Reflect on what you currently lack in your educational journey. How will this scholarship help you bridge that gap? Be specific about your educational goals and how they relate to your future.
• Personality: Share personal anecdotes that highlight your values, character, and motivations. This is your chance to humanize your application and show the committee who you are beyond your achievements.

Outline Your Essay

Create a clear outline that flows logically. Start with a compelling introduction that draws the reader in with a specific moment or experience. Follow with sections dedicated to each of the four buckets, ensuring each paragraph focuses on one main idea. Conclude with a strong closing that ties together your aspirations and the scholarship's role in achieving them.

Drafting Voice and Style

As you draft your essay, maintain an active voice. Use specific details and avoid vague statements. Each paragraph should connect back to your main argument about why you deserve this scholarship. Engage the reader by reflecting on your experiences and their significance, answering the “So what?” question throughout your essay.

Revision & “So What?”

After completing your draft, take a break before revising. Look for clarity and coherence in your writing. Ensure that each section contributes to your overall narrative. Ask yourself how each part of your essay answers the scholarship committee's implicit questions about your goals and potential impact.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of these common mistakes:

• Avoid clichés and generic statements that do not add value to your narrative.
• Do not use passive voice; it can make your writing less impactful.
• Ensure all facts and experiences are truthful and verifiable; do not embellish or invent details.
• Steer clear of overly complex language; clarity is more important than sounding sophisticated.