How to Write Your Essay for the College of Arts & Sciences Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

To effectively plan your essay, gather material across four key areas:

• Background: Consider formative experiences that have shaped your academic and personal journey. Reflect on your upbringing, education, and any challenges you faced.
• Achievements: List significant accomplishments, particularly those that demonstrate leadership, initiative, or impact. Use metrics where possible, such as “increased participation by 30%” or “led a team of five.”
• The Gap: Identify areas where you seek growth through further education. Explain why attending Loyola University Chicago is essential for your academic and career goals.
• Personality: Include humanizing details that showcase your values and interests. This could be a hobby, a personal philosophy, or a unique perspective that contributes to your character.

Creating an Outline

Organize your thoughts into a coherent outline. Start with an engaging introduction that draws the reader in through a specific moment or experience. Follow this with sections dedicated to each of the four buckets, ensuring each paragraph has a clear focus. Conclude with a strong closing that reiterates your commitment to making an impact.

Drafting Voice and Style

When drafting, maintain an active voice and be specific. Avoid generic statements; instead, illustrate your points with concrete examples. Each paragraph should contain one main idea, supported by details from your experiences. Transition smoothly between sections to guide the reader through your narrative.

Revision and “So What?”

After completing your draft, take a step back and reflect on the “So what?” of each section. Ask yourself what insights you gained from your experiences and how they shaped your aspirations. Revise to ensure clarity and impact, focusing on how your background, achievements, and goals align with the scholarship’s mission.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of several common mistakes:

• Avoid clichés and vague statements. Instead of saying you have always been passionate about something, provide a specific example that illustrates this passion.
• Steer clear of passive voice. Use active constructions to convey your agency and involvement.
• Do not fabricate experiences or achievements. Authenticity is crucial in scholarship essays.
• Refrain from using overly complex language. Aim for clarity and precision in your writing.