Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program Campus Application Instructions
APPLICANT CAMPUS DEADLINE: Last Friday of August
RECOMMENDER CAMPUS DEADLINE: 2nd Friday of September
CAMPUS Application Instructions
Step 1: Register for and begin application (DO NOT SUBMIT through the scholarship’s application management system until told to do so; simply SAVE it. Instead, DO submit materials as described in Step 3 below):
Step 2: Ask for STRONG Letters of Recommendation. Recommendations are extremely
important for the success of your application!
DO NOT REGISTER your recommenders using the K-H application at this time. This is imperative, because once their names are in the system, they will be asked to submit their letters directly to K-H and will not be able to revise their letters.
You will need 2 letters of recommendation. The recommenders may also be writing a letter for your grad school application to Stanford, but the K-H letter is not concerned with the academic side of you! The K-H letter is very different.
Your recommenders must be able to provide specific examples, anecdotes, and evidence of your ability and determination to make a difference. In their letters, they will be asked to assess some of your character and leadership traits and to address the following:
- Provide an explanation of how the recommender knows and interacts with you (the applicant)
- Provide a description about a time you (the applicant) did something that benefitted others
- Provide a description about a time you (the applicant) did something that surprised the recommender
- Provide an example that talks about a time you (the applicant) faced adversity
- Include additional information (positive or negative) regarding your leadership experiences and potential as well as your professional competence and personal character.
Recommenders may also want to consider and discuss:
- How you demonstrate broad interests, sharp insights on complex issues, flexibility of thinking and curiosity about the world, wherever possible, providing specific examples.
Recommenders must submit their draft/preliminary LORs via email as WORD document attachments to Dean Goldberg at: goldbeja@lafayette.edu or externalscholarships@lafayette.edu Letters must be received by 2nd Friday of September.
Step 3: Submit the following materials electronically to Dean Goldberg through externalscholarships@lafayette.edu or using our Submit Materials tab on the website by Last Friday of August.
- A signed copy of the Lafayette Nomination Permission and Waiver Form
- The names and contact information of your recommenders as well as a brief rationale for why you asked each to write on your behalf
- A Detailed resume/CV (can be longer than 1 page)
- Drafts of your K-H Application Essays: The long essay and short answers are designed to provide a better sense of who you are, your dreams and aspirations, and how studying at Stanford University as a Knight-Hennessy Scholar will enhance those aspirations. The essays are also intended to showcase your writing and analytical skills.
- You may find it helpful to review the 2005 Stanford Commencement address delivered by Steve Jobs prior to writing the long essay as well as check out Imagine a World scholar podcasts as both will help you craft your responses to the long “connect the dots” essay as well as the 3 short answer questions.
- Long essay – Connect the Dots: How have the influences in your life shaped you? (500 word limit)
- Short answer 1: Describe your short term and long term academic and professional intentions. (250 word limit)
- Short answer 2: Please tell us when you: a) engaged with someone with a different perspective, b) acted with courage, and c) fell short of expectations. (250 word limit total for your response to all 3 aspects)
- Short answer 3: Please tell us 8 improbable facts (things that are unlikely but true) about you (150 word limit combined for all 8 facts)
Submit the essay and short answers as WORD (do not use Google Docs) documents
Questions
If you or your recommenders have any questions about the Knight-Hennessy Scholars program or campus application process, please do not hesitate to contact Dean Goldberg at goldbeja@lafayette.edu, externalscholarships@lafayette.edu, or 610.330.5067.