Crafting Your Essay for the Edna D. Bowens Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

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

• Background: Reflect on your personal history, including family influences, educational experiences, and any challenges you've faced. What formative moments have shaped your identity and aspirations?
• Achievements: Identify key accomplishments in your academic and extracurricular life. Use metrics and specific examples to illustrate your contributions and the impact you've made.
• The Gap: Consider what you currently lack in your educational journey and how this scholarship will help bridge that gap. Be specific about your goals and how further study at Loyola University Chicago is essential for your growth.
• Personality: Infuse your essay with personal details that reveal your values and character. This could include anecdotes that demonstrate resilience, leadership, or a commitment to community service.

Outlining Your Essay

Once you have gathered material from the four buckets, create an outline to organize your thoughts. A typical structure might include:

1. Introduction: Start with a compelling moment or story that sets the stage for your essay.
2. Body Paragraphs: Dedicate each paragraph to a specific theme or idea, ensuring each one transitions smoothly to the next. Use the STAR method to describe achievements and experiences.
3. Conclusion: Reflect on how your background, achievements, and future goals align with the scholarship's mission. Emphasize your commitment to making a positive impact.

Drafting Voice and Style

As you draft your essay, maintain an active voice and be specific in your language. Avoid vague statements and ensure that every sentence contributes to your overall narrative. Use concrete examples to illustrate your points, and remember to answer the “So what?” question in each section to highlight the significance of your experiences.

Revision and “So What?”

After completing your first draft, take a break before revising. Read your essay critically, focusing on clarity and coherence. Ensure that each paragraph serves a purpose and contributes to your overarching narrative. Ask yourself what insights you want the committee to take away and adjust your content accordingly.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of these common mistakes:

• Avoid clichés and generic statements that do not add value to your essay.
• Do not use passive voice; always attribute actions to specific subjects.
• Refrain from including invented facts or experiences; authenticity is key.
• Ensure that your essay is well-structured, with one main idea per paragraph.