How to Write an Essay for the Lorimer Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

To create a structured and engaging essay, consider the following four material buckets:

• Background: Reflect on your personal history, including family influences, educational experiences, and key moments that shaped your aspirations. Think about specific events or challenges that have defined your path.
• Achievements: List your accomplishments, both academic and extracurricular. Include measurable outcomes, such as grades, awards, or leadership roles, and explain their significance in your educational journey.
• The Gap: Identify what you currently lack that further education will address. Be specific about your goals and how this scholarship will bridge the gap between where you are and where you want to be.
• Personality: Infuse your essay with personal anecdotes that reveal your values, interests, and motivations. This is your chance to show who you are beyond your achievements.

Creating an Outline

Once you have gathered your material, organize it into a cohesive outline. Start with an engaging introduction that draws the reader in. Follow with sections that address each of the four buckets, ensuring each paragraph focuses on a single idea. Conclude with a strong closing that reiterates your commitment to your goals and the importance of the scholarship.

Drafting Voice and Style

When drafting your essay, use an active voice and specific language. Open with a vivid scene or moment that encapsulates your journey, avoiding generic statements. Reflect on your experiences and articulate what you learned and how it shaped your future aspirations. Make sure to answer the “So what?” question in each section, demonstrating the significance of your experiences and goals.

Revision and “So What?”

In your revision process, focus on clarity and coherence. Ensure each paragraph transitions smoothly to the next, maintaining a logical flow. Ask yourself what insights you want the reader to take away from your essay and refine your language to emphasize those points. Seek feedback from peers or mentors to gain an outside perspective.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of clichés and vague expressions of passion. Avoid starting with phrases like “From a young age” or “I have always been passionate about.” Instead, ground your essay in specific experiences. Additionally, steer clear of passive voice and bureaucratic language; keep your writing direct and personal. Lastly, do not invent facts or embellish your experiences—authenticity is key.