Crafting Your Essay for the Gannon Scholars Program

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

To create a compelling narrative, gather material across four key areas:

• Background: Reflect on your personal history, including experiences that have shaped your identity and aspirations. Consider significant moments that influenced your educational path.
• Achievements: Identify specific accomplishments that demonstrate your skills and leadership. Use metrics, outcomes, and responsibilities to quantify your impact.
• The Gap: Acknowledge what you currently lack in your educational journey and explain how the Gannon Scholars Program will help fill that gap. Be honest about your needs and articulate your goals for further study.
• Personality: Infuse your essay with humanizing details that showcase your values and character. Share anecdotes that reveal your passions and motivations.

Creating an Outline

Once you have gathered your material, organize it into a clear outline. Start with an engaging opening that draws the reader in, perhaps by sharing a pivotal moment from your background. Follow with sections that detail your achievements, the gap in your education, and your personality. Ensure that each section transitions smoothly to the next, maintaining a logical flow throughout your essay.

Drafting Voice and Style

As you draft your essay, aim for an active voice that emphasizes your role in your achievements and experiences. Avoid clichés and vague statements; instead, focus on specific examples that illustrate your points. Each paragraph should center on a single idea, and every sentence should contribute to the overall narrative. Remember to reflect on the significance of each experience—answer the question, “So what?” to highlight why your story matters.

Revision and “So What?”

After completing your draft, take a step back and revise with a critical eye. Look for areas where you can enhance clarity and impact. Ensure that your reflections on experiences are deep and meaningful. Ask yourself if each section answers the “So what?” question—does it convey why your experiences and aspirations are relevant to the Gannon Scholars Program?

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

As you finalize your essay, be mindful of common mistakes. Avoid using clichés or generic statements that do not add value to your narrative. Steer clear of passive voice and bureaucratic language; instead, use active voice to create a stronger connection with the reader. Lastly, ensure that all details are truthful and verifiable—never invent facts or embellish your experiences.