How to Write Your Essay for the Cynthia Steury-Lattz Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

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

• Background: Reflect on your upbringing, education, and any significant life experiences that have shaped who you are. Consider challenges you have faced and how they have influenced your goals.
• Achievements: List your accomplishments, both academic and extracurricular. Use specific metrics where possible, such as GPA, awards, or leadership roles, to illustrate your impact.
• The Gap: Identify what you currently lack in your education or skills and explain how this scholarship will help bridge that gap. Be specific about your educational goals and how they relate to your future career.
• Personality: Infuse your essay with personal anecdotes that reveal your values and character. This humanizing detail can set you apart from other applicants.

Outlining Your Essay

Once you have gathered your material, create a structured outline. A strong essay typically includes:

1. Introduction: Start with a concrete moment or experience that captures your journey. Avoid generic statements.
2. Body Paragraphs: Dedicate each paragraph to a specific theme, such as your background, achievements, or aspirations. Use the STAR method to describe your experiences: outline the Situation, Task, Action, and Result for key achievements.
3. Conclusion: Reflect on what you have learned and how the scholarship will help you contribute to your community or field. Answer the “So what?” question—why does this matter?

Drafting Voice and Style

As you draft your essay, aim for an active voice that engages the reader. Use specific language and details to paint a vivid picture of your experiences. Avoid clichés and vague statements; instead, focus on unique insights that reflect your journey. Each paragraph should convey a single idea, and transitions should guide the reader logically from one point to the next.

Revision & “So What?”

After drafting, take a step back and revise your essay. Ask yourself if each section effectively answers the prompt and contributes to your overall narrative. Ensure that your reflections clarify why your experiences matter and how they connect to your future goals. Seek feedback from peers or mentors who can provide constructive criticism.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

During the writing process, be mindful of these common mistakes:

• Avoid starting with generic phrases or clichés that do not add value to your essay.
• Do not exaggerate or fabricate experiences; authenticity is key.
• Steer clear of overly complex language that may obscure your message.
• Ensure that your essay is well-organized and that each paragraph flows logically to the next.