How to Write an Essay for the Carol Sue Betty Lehr Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

Organize your thoughts by exploring the following four material buckets:

• Background: Reflect on your life experiences that have shaped who you are today. Consider family influences, significant events, or challenges you have faced.
• Achievements: Highlight specific accomplishments, such as academic performance, leadership roles, or community service. Use metrics and outcomes to demonstrate your impact.
• The Gap: Identify what you currently lack in your education or experience and explain how receiving this scholarship will help bridge that gap. Be specific about your educational goals and how they align with your career aspirations.
• Personality: Infuse your essay with humanizing details that showcase your values, interests, and motivations. This could include hobbies, personal philosophies, or experiences that have influenced your worldview.

Creating an Outline

Once you have gathered your material, create an outline to structure your essay. A clear outline will help you maintain logical flow and coherence. Consider the following structure:

1. Introduction: Start with a compelling moment or anecdote that draws the reader in. Avoid generic thesis statements.
2. Body Paragraphs: Dedicate each paragraph to one of the four buckets, ensuring that each paragraph transitions smoothly to the next.
3. Conclusion: Reflect on how the scholarship will impact your future and reiterate your commitment to making a difference.

Drafting Voice and Style

As you draft your essay, maintain an active voice and be specific in your language. Avoid clichés and vague statements. Instead, focus on concrete examples and personal reflections. Each section should answer the question of “So what?”—why your experiences and aspirations matter.

Revision and Reflection

After completing your first draft, take a break before revising. Look for areas where you can enhance clarity and impact. Ask yourself:

• Does each paragraph contribute to my overall message?
• Have I used specific examples to illustrate my points?
• Is my voice consistent and engaging throughout?

Consider sharing your essay with trusted peers or mentors for feedback. Their insights can help you refine your message.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of these common mistakes:

• Using clichés or generic phrases that do not add value to your narrative.
• Failing to connect your experiences to your future goals.
• Neglecting to proofread for grammatical errors or awkward phrasing.

By avoiding these pitfalls and focusing on authenticity, you can create a compelling essay that resonates with the scholarship committee.