Meet Lauren Spratt: Theatre Major and Leadership Scholarship Winner

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 

1. How did you hear about DeSales? 

You get all those college pamphlets, and it’s all so overwhelming. My mom was talking to me about DeSales and thought I might really like it here. We toured in the summer, and I ended up really liking it. 

2. Describe the Leadership Scholarship interview process.

I was very excited that I was even being considered for the scholarship, but I was nervous about the interview. I talked to guidance counselors about interview questions for scholarship interviews. I made up hypothetical answers and organized in my head what I wanted to say. 

The interview was over Zoom. It was a little nerve wracking; I thought they were going to grill me. But they were so nice. Once I started talking, I was talking about stuff that I enjoy. 

3. What does the Leadership Scholarship mean to you? 

It means a lot because I was able to see the benefit of my hard work. I worked hard on my essay, and I consulted a lot of my teachers and my peers about it. Using my experience in high school to get a scholarship to a school where I can continue doing something I’m passionate about—in both my major and extra-curriculars—is really a blessing.

4. Describe orientation and the first-year experience at DeSales. 

I did pre-orientation, which was really cool. We got to clean the New Bethany Ministry shelter, help with Habitat for Humanity, and help with the Salvation Army’s backpack drive. It was a really great way to get introduced to the community before orientation even started. 

My pod from orientation was very friendly. I loved my peer mentor; she’s been helpful with a lot of things, encouraging us to go to events and everything that CAB has to offer. There’s always something to do, which is really nice.

5. Advice for future Leadership Scholarship applicants?

Don’t try and put all of your outstanding achievements into this essay because that’s not what it’s about. Don’t try to impress everybody. Just show something that you’re truly passionate about and spread the positivity that you get from that particular experience.

The Leadership Scholarship is a full-tuition scholarship offered to six students who have shown outstanding leadership in their high school careers and who plan to continue to develop those skills at DeSales. The deadline to apply is Thursday, December 1, 2022.