How to Craft Your Essay for the Coombs CPA, PC Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

Gather material for your essay by exploring the four essential buckets:

• Background: Reflect on your personal history, including your upbringing, education, and any challenges you have faced. Consider experiences that have shaped your identity and aspirations.
• Achievements: List your significant accomplishments, focusing on metrics and outcomes. Highlight leadership roles, community involvement, or academic successes that showcase your capabilities.
• The Gap: Identify what you currently lack in terms of knowledge or skills and explain how further study at Loyola will help bridge that gap. Be specific about your academic and professional goals.
• Personality: Infuse your essay with personal anecdotes that reveal your values, interests, and motivations. This is your opportunity to humanize your application and connect with the committee on a personal level.

Structuring Your Essay

Organize your ideas into a clear outline. Each section should focus on one main idea:

1. Start with an engaging opening that sets the scene or presents a pivotal moment in your life.
2. Transition into your background, detailing formative experiences that led you to your current path.
3. Discuss your achievements, providing specific examples and quantifiable results.
4. Address the gap, articulating how your desired studies at Loyola will facilitate your growth.
5. Conclude with reflections on your personality, emphasizing your commitment to making a positive impact in your field.

Drafting Voice and Style

Write in an active voice, ensuring clarity and engagement. Avoid clichés and vague statements; instead, use specific examples to illustrate your points. Each paragraph should have a clear focus, and transitions should guide the reader through your narrative logically.

Revision and the “So What?” Factor

After drafting, take a step back and review your essay. Ask yourself, “So what?” for each section. Ensure that you reflect on how your experiences have shaped you and why they matter in the context of the scholarship. Seek feedback from peers or mentors to gain new perspectives on your writing.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of these common mistakes:

• Avoid starting with generic statements or clichés that do not add value to your essay.
• Do not rely on vague expressions of passion without supporting evidence.
• Steer clear of passive voice; instead, emphasize your actions and contributions.
• Ensure that all details are accurate and verifiable; do not fabricate experiences or achievements.