How to Craft Your Essay for the Alyce Mae Fiedler Gannon Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

To create a compelling essay, gather material across four key areas:

• Background: Reflect on experiences that have shaped your academic journey. Consider family influences, cultural background, or significant life events that have led you to pursue higher education.
• Achievements: Identify your key accomplishments. Focus on measurable outcomes, such as leadership roles, community service hours, or academic honors. Use specific examples to illustrate your contributions.
• The Gap: Acknowledge any gaps in your experience or education. Explain why further study at Loyola University Chicago is essential for your personal and professional development.
• Personality: Infuse your essay with personal anecdotes that reveal your values and character. This is your opportunity to humanize your application and connect with the committee on a personal level.

Outline Your Essay

Creating an outline will help you structure your essay effectively. Consider the following framework:

1. Introduction: Start with a concrete moment or scene that captures your journey and hooks the reader.
2. Body Paragraphs: Dedicate each paragraph to one of the four buckets. Use the STAR method to detail specific situations, actions, and results.
3. Conclusion: Reflect on how your experiences have prepared you for success at Loyola and how the scholarship will help you achieve your goals.

Drafting Voice and Style

When drafting your essay, maintain an active voice. Use specific language and avoid clichés. Each paragraph should focus on one main idea, with clear transitions to guide the reader. Ensure that your reflections answer the question, “So what?”—explaining the significance of your experiences and how they relate to your future.

Revision and “So What?”

After drafting, take a break before revising. Look for opportunities to deepen your reflections and clarify your points. Ask yourself if each section contributes to a coherent narrative about your journey and aspirations. Ensure that your essay not only details your qualifications but also articulates your commitment to making an impact in your community.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of these common mistakes:

• Using clichés or vague statements that lack evidence.
• Neglecting to personalize your essay—avoid generic language that could apply to any applicant.
• Failing to connect your experiences back to the scholarship’s goals and the values of Loyola University Chicago.