How to Write Your Essay for the Dennis J. Amato Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

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

• Background: Reflect on your formative experiences. What personal or academic circumstances have shaped your journey? Consider family influences, community involvement, or significant challenges.
• Achievements: Identify key accomplishments in your academic and extracurricular life. Use metrics and specific examples to demonstrate your impact, such as leadership roles, projects completed, or awards received.
• The Gap: Assess what you currently lack that this scholarship can help you address. Be honest about your academic and professional goals and how further education at Loyola University Chicago fits into that vision.
• Personality: Infuse your narrative with personal details that reveal your values and motivations. What makes you unique? How do your experiences reflect your character?

Creating an Outline

With your material organized, create a structured outline. Each section of your essay should focus on one main idea, progressing logically from your background to your aspirations. Start with an engaging hook that draws the reader in, perhaps a specific moment that illustrates your journey. Follow with sections on your achievements, the gap you aim to fill, and conclude with a reflection on your personality and future goals.

Drafting Voice and Style

As you draft, maintain an active voice and specific language. Avoid vague statements and focus on concrete details. Each paragraph should convey a single idea, with transitions that guide the reader through your narrative. Remember to reflect on what each experience taught you and why it matters—this is crucial for engaging the committee.

Revision and the “So What?” Factor

After drafting, take a step back. Review your essay for clarity and coherence. Ask yourself: does each section answer the “So what?” question? Ensure that your reflections connect your past experiences to your future ambitions. This will help the committee understand your motivation and potential impact.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of clichés and generalizations. Avoid opening with phrases like “From a young age” or “I have always been passionate about.” Ensure all facts and details are accurate and relevant to your narrative. Lastly, steer clear of passive voice; instead, showcase your agency and accomplishments through active constructions.