How to Craft Your Essay for the Janet W. Sisler Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

To create a compelling essay, gather material from four key areas:

• Background: Reflect on your upbringing, cultural influences, and formative experiences. What has shaped your perspective and ambitions?
• Achievements: Identify significant accomplishments in your academic and extracurricular life. Use metrics where possible, such as leadership roles, projects completed, or awards received.
• The Gap: Consider what you currently lack in your educational journey. Why does attending Loyola University Chicago matter to you, and how will it help bridge this gap?
• Personality: Infuse your essay with personal anecdotes that showcase your values, interests, and unique traits. This humanizes your application and helps the committee connect with you.

Outlining Your Essay

Once you have gathered your materials, create an outline that organizes your thoughts logically. Aim for a clear structure:

1. Introduction: Start with a concrete moment or scene that captures your journey.
2. Body Paragraphs: Dedicate each paragraph to a specific theme or bucket. Use the STAR method to describe your achievements and experiences.
3. Conclusion: Reflect on how your experiences have prepared you for the future and why this scholarship is essential for your goals.

Drafting Voice and Style

As you draft your essay, maintain an active voice and focus on clarity. Avoid bureaucratic language and clichés. Each paragraph should revolve around a single idea, and transitions should show logical progression. Remember to answer the “So what?” question in each section, reflecting on the significance of your experiences and aspirations.

Revision and “So What?”

After completing your draft, revise it critically. Look for areas where you can deepen your reflection or clarify your points. Ensure that every paragraph contributes to a coherent narrative about your journey and future. Consider seeking feedback from peers or mentors to gain different perspectives.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of several common mistakes:

• Avoid generic openers that do not engage the reader.
• Steer clear of vague statements about passion without specific examples.
• Do not use passive voice when an active subject exists.
• Refrain from including invented facts or exaggerated claims about your experiences.