How to Craft Your Essay for the Christine Friedrich Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

To create a comprehensive essay, consider the four material buckets: background, achievements, the gap, and personality.

• Background: Reflect on your personal history. What experiences have shaped you? Consider family influences, community involvement, or significant life events.
• Achievements: Identify key accomplishments that demonstrate your skills and commitment. Use metrics or specific outcomes to illustrate your impact, such as leadership roles, projects completed, or awards received.
• The Gap: Acknowledge any gaps in your education or experience that further study at Loyola can help you address. Explain why this scholarship is essential for your academic and career goals.
• Personality: Infuse your essay with personal details that showcase your values and character. This could include hobbies, volunteer work, or unique perspectives that make you who you are.

Creating an Outline

Once you have gathered your material, outline your essay. Organize your thoughts logically, ensuring each paragraph flows into the next. Start with a strong opening that draws the reader in, perhaps by sharing a meaningful moment or insight that illustrates your journey. Follow with sections dedicated to your background, achievements, the gap, and personality, ensuring each section answers the “So what?” question—why does this matter to your scholarship application?

Drafting Voice and Style

As you draft, maintain an active voice and specific language. Avoid vague statements and clichés; instead, focus on concrete examples and reflections. Each section should contribute to a cohesive narrative that highlights your journey and aspirations. Use transitions effectively to guide the reader through your essay.

Revision and the “So What?” Factor

After drafting, take a step back and revise your essay. Look for areas where you can enhance clarity and impact. Each paragraph should have a clear purpose and lead to a deeper understanding of who you are and why you deserve this scholarship. Ask yourself if each section answers the “So what?” question and reinforces your commitment to your academic and career goals.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

As you finalize your essay, be mindful of common mistakes. Avoid using clichés or overly dramatic language that lacks substance. Ensure that all facts are accurate and relevant to your experiences. Lastly, steer clear of generic statements about passion or ambition without backing them up with concrete examples.