How to Write a Compelling Essay for the Lester Family Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

Organize your thoughts into four key categories: Background, Achievements, The Gap, and Personality.

• Background: Reflect on your formative experiences. What events or influences have shaped your educational journey? Consider family, community, or personal challenges.
• Achievements: Identify significant accomplishments. Quantify your impact where possible—include metrics or specific outcomes that demonstrate your contributions.
• The Gap: Acknowledge what you lack and how further study at Loyola will help you bridge that gap. This could be knowledge, skills, or experiences necessary for your future goals.
• Personality: Share personal anecdotes that reveal your values, motivations, and character. This will humanize your application and make it memorable.

Creating an Outline

Draft an outline to organize your essay logically. Start with a strong hook that draws the reader in. Each section should flow into the next, maintaining a clear narrative arc. Consider using the STAR method to structure your achievements and challenges:

• Situation: Set the context for your story.
• Task: Describe the challenge you faced.
• Action: Explain what you did to address it.
• Result: Share the outcome and what you learned.

Drafting Voice and Style

As you write your essay, use an active voice and specific language. Avoid clichés and general statements. Instead of saying you are passionate about a subject, illustrate that passion through concrete examples. Each paragraph should focus on one main idea, ensuring clarity and coherence.

Revision and Reflection: The “So What?” Factor

After drafting your essay, take a step back and ask yourself, “So what?” for each section. What insights have you gained? Why do your experiences matter? Ensure that your essay reflects personal growth and a commitment to making a positive impact in your community or field.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of these common mistakes:

• Avoid vague statements and superlatives that lack evidence.
• Do not rely on passive voice; always attribute actions to yourself.
• Steer clear of generic openers; start with a specific moment or story.
• Ensure all facts are accurate and verifiable; do not invent experiences or achievements.