How to Write Your Class of 1936/Lanphear Scholarship Essay

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

To create a compelling narrative, gather material across four key areas:

• Background: What experiences, challenges, or influences have shaped your educational path? Reflect on significant moments that have driven your desire to pursue higher education.
• Achievements: Identify specific accomplishments, whether academic, extracurricular, or community-based. Quantify your impacts where possible, such as leadership roles held, projects completed, or awards received.
• The Gap: Acknowledge what you currently lack that this scholarship will help address. Be specific about your educational or financial needs and how they relate to your future goals.
• Personality: Include details that humanize your application. What values guide you? What passions drive your academic pursuits? Share anecdotes that reveal your character.

Structuring Your Essay

Organize your essay to ensure clarity and flow. A strong structure might include:

1. An engaging introduction that opens with a specific moment or experience.
2. A body that weaves together your background, achievements, the gap, and personality, ensuring each paragraph focuses on one main idea.
3. A conclusion that reflects on how receiving the scholarship will enable you to contribute positively to your community and your field.

Drafting Voice and Style

When drafting your essay, aim for an active voice that emphasizes your role in your achievements and experiences. Avoid clichés and vague statements. Instead, focus on specific examples and reflections that showcase your growth and aspirations. Each section should answer the question, “So what?” to highlight the significance of your experiences.

Revision and Reflection

After drafting, take a step back and revise with a critical eye. Ensure that each paragraph transitions logically to the next, maintaining a coherent narrative. Look for areas to deepen your reflection. Consider how your experiences have prepared you for future challenges and how this scholarship aligns with your long-term goals.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of these common mistakes:

• Avoid opening with generic statements or clichés.
• Steer clear of vague claims about passion without supporting evidence.
• Don’t use passive voice; instead, highlight your actions and decisions.
• Ensure all facts are accurate and verifiable; do not invent details.