How to Craft Your Essay for the Catherine Lense Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

To create a well-rounded essay, gather material across four key areas:

• Background: Identify experiences that have shaped your educational journey. Consider family influences, community involvement, or significant challenges you've faced.
• Achievements: Highlight specific accomplishments, such as projects, leadership roles, or academic successes. Use metrics where possible to quantify your impact.
• The Gap: Reflect on what you currently lack in your education or skills and how this scholarship will help bridge that gap. Be honest about your aspirations and the need for further study.
• Personality: Infuse your essay with personal anecdotes that reveal your values, interests, and motivations. This is your chance to humanize your application.

Outlining Your Essay

Organize your thoughts into a coherent outline. Start with an engaging introduction that draws the reader in. Follow with sections dedicated to each of the four material buckets, ensuring each paragraph focuses on a single idea. Conclude with a strong closing that reiterates your commitment to your educational goals and the impact you hope to achieve.

Drafting Voice and Style

As you draft, aim for an active voice that showcases your agency. Start with a specific moment or anecdote that illustrates your journey, rather than beginning with a thesis statement. Throughout your essay, reflect on how your experiences have shaped you and why they matter. Make sure to answer the “So what?” question in each section, emphasizing the significance of your experiences and aspirations.

Revision and “So What?”

After completing your draft, take a step back and review your work. Ensure that each paragraph contributes to a clear takeaway for the reader. Focus on refining your language for clarity and impact. Seek feedback from peers or mentors to gain different perspectives. Pay attention to transitions between paragraphs to maintain a logical flow.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of the following mistakes:

• Avoid clichés in your opening. Instead of generic statements, use specific moments that illustrate your journey.
• Steer clear of vague expressions of passion. Instead, provide concrete examples that demonstrate your commitment.
• Do not use passive voice when an active voice is possible. Make sure to highlight your role in your achievements.
• Refrain from including invented facts or embellishments. Authenticity is crucial in your narrative.