How to Craft Your Essay for the Loyola Academy Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

Organize your thoughts into four material buckets: Background, Achievements, The Gap, and Personality.

• Background: Reflect on formative experiences that have shaped your identity and values. Consider family influences, education, or community engagement.
• Achievements: List specific accomplishments, focusing on metrics and outcomes. Think about leadership roles, projects, or initiatives where you made a significant impact.
• The Gap: Identify what you seek to improve or learn through further study at Loyola. Explain how this scholarship will help you bridge that gap.
• Personality: Include humanizing details that showcase your character. Share anecdotes or values that define you and connect to your aspirations.

Creating an Outline

Structure your essay logically. Start with an engaging opening that sets the scene or presents a pivotal moment in your journey. Follow with sections dedicated to each of the four buckets, ensuring each paragraph focuses on a single idea. Conclude with a strong statement about your future goals and how the scholarship will help you achieve them.

Drafting Voice and Style

Use an active voice to convey your experiences and insights. Avoid clichés and vague statements; instead, provide specific examples and details that illustrate your points. Reflect on what you learned from each experience and why it matters to your future. This reflection will help you answer the “So what?” question effectively.

Revision and “So What?”

After drafting, take a step back and revise your essay. Focus on clarity and coherence. Ensure each paragraph transitions smoothly to the next, reinforcing the narrative flow. Ask yourself if each section contributes to the overall message and if it answers the “So what?” question about your experiences and aspirations.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Avoid using empty superlatives or vague expressions of passion. Steer clear of passive voice and bureaucratic language. Ensure that all facts and experiences included in your essay are truthful and verifiable. Lastly, refrain from starting with generic statements; instead, dive directly into a meaningful moment that encapsulates your journey.