Ciri Foundation Cap Lathrop Scholarship Essay Guide

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

Organize your thoughts by exploring the four material buckets: Background, Achievements, The Gap, and Personality.

• Background: Identify key experiences that have shaped your educational journey. Consider family influences, community involvement, and any challenges you've faced.
• Achievements: List your accomplishments, focusing on metrics and outcomes that showcase your skills and leadership. Be specific about your roles and responsibilities.
• The Gap: Reflect on what you currently lack in your education or experiences and how this scholarship will help bridge that gap. Articulate your goals and how further study will assist in achieving them.
• Personality: Share personal details that humanize you. What values drive you? What unique perspectives do you bring? Aim for specificity that reveals your character.

Outlining Your Essay

Once you have gathered your material, create a clear outline. A strong essay typically includes:

1. Introduction: Start with an engaging scene or moment that draws the reader in. Avoid clichés and generic statements.
2. Body Paragraphs: Each paragraph should focus on one main idea. Use the STAR method to describe specific situations, tasks, actions, and results related to your experiences and achievements.
3. Conclusion: Reflect on your journey and articulate your commitment to making an impact in your field or community.

Drafting Voice and Style

As you draft, maintain an active voice and clear, concise language. Avoid bureaucratic jargon and ensure each sentence adds value to your narrative. Emphasize reflection—what have you learned from your experiences, and why does it matter? Each section should answer the “So what?” question to reinforce your motivations and goals.

Revision and “So What?”

After your initial draft, take a break before revising. Read your essay aloud to catch awkward phrasing and ensure clarity. Focus on coherence and logical flow between paragraphs. Revisit the “So what?” question for each section—what insights do you want the committee to take away from your essay? This reflection will strengthen your narrative.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of the following pitfalls:

• Avoid opening with clichés or generic statements. Start with a specific moment or insight.
• Steer clear of vague language. Use concrete details and metrics to support your claims.
• Do not fabricate experiences or achievements. Authenticity is key to building trust with the committee.
• Limit passive voice. Make sure your actions and contributions are clear and direct.