How to Write Your Chicago Board of Trade Scholarship Essay

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

To create a well-rounded essay, gather material from the following four buckets:

• Background: Reflect on your upbringing, education, and formative experiences. What key moments or influences have shaped your desire to pursue higher education?
• Achievements: Identify significant accomplishments in your academic, professional, or extracurricular life. Use specific metrics or outcomes to illustrate your impact—such as leadership roles, projects completed, or awards received.
• The Gap: Acknowledge any gaps in your experience or knowledge that further study will address. Explain why the scholarship and your chosen program at Loyola are essential for your growth.
• Personality: Infuse your essay with personal anecdotes that reveal your values, motivations, and character. Specific stories can help the committee connect with you on a human level.

Outline Your Essay

Creating a structured outline will help you organize your thoughts and ensure a logical flow. Consider the following structure:

1. Introduction: Start with a vivid moment or scene that encapsulates your journey. This draws the reader in and sets the stage for your narrative.
2. Body Paragraphs: Dedicate each paragraph to one of the four buckets. Use the STAR method to describe achievements and challenges, focusing on the situation, task, action, and result.
3. Conclusion: Reflect on what you learned from your experiences and how they will influence your future. Emphasize your commitment to making a positive impact.

Drafting with Purpose

As you draft your essay, focus on clarity and specificity. Use active voice and concrete examples to convey your message. Avoid vague statements and clichés. Each paragraph should contain one main idea and transition smoothly to the next, maintaining logical progression throughout your essay.

Revision & “So What?”

After completing your first draft, take a break before revising. Read your essay with fresh eyes and ask yourself, “So what?” for each section. Ensure that every detail serves a purpose and contributes to your overall narrative. Seek feedback from peers or mentors to gain additional perspectives.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of the following mistakes:

• Avoid generic openers and filler phrases. Start with a compelling moment instead.
• Steer clear of empty superlatives and vague expressions of passion without evidence.
• Do not use passive voice when an active subject exists; this weakens your writing.
• Refrain from including invented facts or experiences—honesty is crucial.