How to Craft Your Essay for the CVS Health Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

To create a compelling narrative, gather material that fits into the following four categories:

• Background: Consider your personal history, including family influences, cultural background, and experiences that have shaped your educational path. Identify key moments that define who you are.
• Achievements: Highlight specific accomplishments that demonstrate your leadership, academic excellence, or community involvement. Use metrics or outcomes to quantify your impact, such as volunteer hours, projects led, or awards received.
• The Gap: Reflect on what you currently lack in your education or career path and why further study is essential. Explain how the CVS Health Scholarship will help bridge this gap and enable you to achieve your goals.
• Personality: Infuse your essay with personal anecdotes that reveal your values and character. Share experiences that illustrate your resilience, empathy, or commitment to making a difference.

Creating an Outline

Structure your essay effectively to ensure a logical flow of ideas. An outline might look like this:

1. Introduction: Start with a concrete moment or scene that captures your journey. Avoid generic statements and instead draw the reader in with vivid imagery.
2. Body Paragraphs: Dedicate each paragraph to one of the four buckets. Ensure each section has a clear focus and transitions smoothly to the next.
3. Conclusion: Reflect on how the scholarship aligns with your future aspirations and the impact you hope to make in your field.

Drafting Voice and Style

When drafting your essay, maintain an active voice and be specific in your language. Avoid clichés and vague expressions. Instead of stating your passion, demonstrate it through detailed examples and reflections. Ensure that each paragraph serves a distinct purpose and contributes to the overall narrative.

Revision and the “So What?” Factor

After drafting, revise your essay with a critical eye. Ask yourself, “So what?” for each section. What insights have you gained? How does this experience shape your future? Ensure that your reflections are clear and meaningful, connecting your past experiences to your future goals.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

As you finalize your essay, be mindful of these common pitfalls:

• Avoid vague statements and generalizations about your passion or experiences.
• Do not rely on passive voice; always attribute actions to a specific subject.
• Steer clear of bureaucratic language that obscures your message.
• Ensure all facts about your background and achievements are accurate and verifiable.