How to Write an Essay for the Kathryn Krause HANDY Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

To create a comprehensive essay, consider the following four material buckets:

• Background: Reflect on your personal history. What experiences have shaped your educational journey? Consider family influences, community involvement, or challenges you have faced.
• Achievements: List significant accomplishments, both academic and extracurricular. Include metrics when possible—such as GPA, awards, or leadership roles—to quantify your impact.
• The Gap: Identify what you currently lack that this scholarship would help address. This could be financial support, access to resources, or the ability to pursue specific educational opportunities.
• Personality: Share humanizing details that reflect your values, interests, and aspirations. This could include hobbies, volunteer work, or unique perspectives that define who you are.

Creating an Outline

Organize your thoughts into a clear outline. Start with an engaging introduction that draws the reader in. Each section of your essay should focus on one of the four buckets:

1. Introduction: Begin with a specific moment or scene that illustrates your journey.
2. Background: Discuss your personal history and how it has influenced your educational goals.
3. Achievements: Highlight key accomplishments and their significance.
4. The Gap: Explain what you need to succeed and how the scholarship fits into that.
5. Personality: Conclude with insights about your character and how you plan to use your education for future impact.

Drafting Voice and Style

As you draft your essay, maintain an active voice. Use specific language and provide concrete examples to support your points. Avoid clichés and vague statements. Instead of saying, "I have always been passionate about education," illustrate this passion with a story or example that demonstrates your commitment.

Revision and the “So What?” Factor

After drafting your essay, take a step back and revise with a critical eye. Ensure each section answers the question, "So what?" Reflect on how your experiences and aspirations connect to the scholarship. Make sure your essay flows logically, with clear transitions between paragraphs.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of these common mistakes:

• Avoid starting with generic statements or clichés.
• Do not use passive voice when an active subject exists.
• Steer clear of vague expressions of passion without evidence.
• Ensure all facts are accurate and verifiable; do not invent details.