How to Write an Essay for the Barbara LaPaglia Smith Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

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

• Background: Consider your personal history, including significant experiences that have shaped your academic and career aspirations. Reflect on how these experiences connect to your choice of Loyola University Chicago.
• Achievements: Identify key accomplishments in your academic and extracurricular activities. Use specific metrics or outcomes to illustrate your impact, such as leadership roles, projects completed, or awards received.
• The Gap: Acknowledge any areas where you feel you need further development. Explain how attending Loyola University Chicago and receiving this scholarship will help you bridge that gap.
• Personality: Infuse your essay with humanizing details that convey your values, motivations, and unique perspective. This could include anecdotes that highlight your character and resilience.

Creating an Outline

Once you have gathered your material, create a structured outline. Start with an engaging introduction that draws the reader in—consider opening with a specific moment or experience that illustrates your journey. Then, organize the body of your essay around the four buckets, ensuring each section flows logically to the next. Conclude with a strong closing that reflects on your aspirations and the impact of the scholarship.

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 helping others,” provide a concrete example of how you have helped others and what you learned from that experience. This specificity will make your essay more compelling and memorable.

Revision and the “So What?” Factor

After completing your draft, take a step back and evaluate your work. Ask yourself, “So what?” for each section. Does your essay clearly convey your motivations, achievements, and how the scholarship will impact your future? Seek feedback from peers or mentors, and be open to making revisions that enhance clarity and impact.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

While drafting your essay, be mindful of common pitfalls. Avoid using clichés and vague expressions that do not add value to your narrative. Ensure that all facts and experiences are truthful and verifiable. Lastly, steer clear of bureaucratic language—focus on clear, direct communication that reflects your authentic voice.