How to Craft Your Essay for the Judge F. Emmett Morrissey Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

Organize your thoughts into four key areas: background, achievements, the gap, and personality.

• Background: Reflect on your upbringing, education, and formative experiences. What challenges have you faced, and how have they shaped your perspective?
• Achievements: List significant accomplishments, both academic and extracurricular. Quantify your successes where possible (e.g., leadership roles, projects completed, awards received).
• The Gap: Identify areas where you seek growth. What knowledge or skills do you hope to gain through your studies at Loyola? Explain how this scholarship will help bridge that gap.
• Personality: Consider what makes you unique. Share anecdotes that reveal your values, motivations, and aspirations.

Outline Your Essay

Create a structured outline based on your brainstorming. Start with an engaging introduction that sets the scene or presents a pivotal moment in your life. Follow with body paragraphs that delve into each of the four buckets, ensuring each section transitions smoothly to the next. Conclude with a strong closing that reiterates your commitment to making a positive impact.

Drafting Voice and Style

As you draft, use an active voice and specific language. Avoid clichés and general statements. Instead of saying, "I have always been passionate about education," illustrate this passion with a concrete example, such as a project you initiated or a challenge you overcame. Ensure each paragraph focuses on a single idea and contributes to your overall narrative.

Revision and the "So What?" Factor

After completing your draft, take a break before revising. Read your essay with fresh eyes, asking yourself, "So what?" for each section. Does each paragraph reflect your growth and aspirations? Are your experiences tied back to the scholarship's purpose? Seek feedback from peers or mentors to gain different perspectives and refine your message.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of several common mistakes:

• Avoid vague statements and unsupported claims. Every assertion should be backed by specific examples.
• Steer clear of passive voice and bureaucratic language. Focus on your actions and contributions.
• Do not invent experiences or embellish your achievements. Authenticity is key in scholarship essays.