How to Craft Your Essay for the Agnes Sebastian Quinn Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

Organize your thoughts by reflecting on the four material buckets: background, achievements, the gap, and personality.

• Background: Consider the experiences that have shaped your identity and educational journey. What personal or cultural influences have guided your path?
• Achievements: Identify significant accomplishments in your academic, extracurricular, or community involvement. Use metrics or specific outcomes to illustrate your impact.
• The Gap: Reflect on what you currently lack in your education or skills that this scholarship would help you address. Why is further study at Loyola University Chicago essential for your growth?
• Personality: Think about the traits that define you. What values do you hold dear? Include specific anecdotes that reveal your character.

Creating an Outline

Once you have gathered your material, create an outline that logically organizes your ideas. Each section should focus on one main idea, ensuring a clear progression of thought. Start with a compelling introduction that draws the reader in with a specific moment or scene from your life. Follow with body paragraphs that delve into each of the four buckets, concluding with a strong statement about your future goals and how the scholarship will help you achieve them.

Drafting Voice and Style

As you draft your essay, maintain an active voice and specific language. Avoid vague statements and clichés. Instead of saying, 'I have always been passionate about education,' illustrate your passion through a specific story or experience. Reflect on what you learned from each experience and why it matters to your future.

Revision and the “So What?” Factor

After completing your draft, take a step back and review your work critically. Ask yourself, “So what?” for each major point. What insights or reflections can you share that demonstrate your growth? Ensure that each paragraph contributes to a coherent narrative about who you are and what you aim to achieve.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of common mistakes in scholarship essays:

• Avoid generic openers or filler content. Start with a concrete moment that captures your journey.
• Steer clear of empty superlatives or vague passion statements. Provide evidence and specifics for your claims.
• Do not use passive voice when an active subject exists. Make your actions clear and direct.
• Finally, ensure that all facts and figures are accurate and verifiable.