How to Craft Your Essay for the Patrick P. Lee Foundation Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

Organize your thoughts by using the four material buckets: background, achievements, gap, and personality.

• Background: Consider what experiences have shaped your educational journey. Reflect on significant moments, challenges, or influences that have motivated you to pursue higher education.
• Achievements: List your accomplishments, both academic and extracurricular. Include metrics when possible, such as GPA, awards, or leadership roles, and highlight the impact of these achievements.
• The Gap: Identify what you currently lack in your education or experience that this scholarship will help you address. Be specific about how the scholarship will enable you to reach your goals.
• Personality: Think about the qualities that define you. Include anecdotes that illustrate your values, interests, and what makes you unique.

Creating an Outline

Structure your essay to ensure clarity and coherence. A suggested outline might include:

1. Introduction: Start with a vivid scene or moment that encapsulates your educational journey.
2. Body Paragraphs: Dedicate sections to each of the four buckets, ensuring each paragraph focuses on one main idea. Use specific examples to support your claims.
3. Conclusion: Reflect on how the scholarship will help you achieve your future goals and contribute to your community.

Drafting Voice and Style

Write in an active voice, focusing on your actions and decisions. Avoid vague statements and clichés. Instead of saying, "I have always been passionate about education," illustrate this with a specific story or experience that demonstrates your commitment. Ensure your writing is reflective, answering the question, "So what?" for each major point.

Revision and “So What?”

After drafting, take a break before revising. Look for clarity, coherence, and engagement. Ensure each paragraph serves a purpose and contributes to your overall message. Ask yourself how each section reflects your journey and future aspirations. Consider sharing your draft with mentors or peers for feedback.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Avoid using clichés and vague language. Steer clear of passive voice and overly bureaucratic phrasing. Ensure all information is accurate and reflective of your true experiences. Remember, honesty and specificity will resonate more than generic statements.