Crafting Your Essay for the Matson Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

To create a strong narrative, gather material across these four key areas:

• Background: Consider your upbringing, cultural influences, and experiences that have shaped your perspective on leadership and diversity.
• Achievements: Identify specific accomplishments that demonstrate your leadership skills. Use metrics or outcomes to quantify your impact, such as community service hours, leadership roles held, or initiatives started.
• The Gap: Reflect on what you feel you lack in your current skill set or knowledge base. Be honest about why further study at Loyola University Chicago is crucial for your personal and professional growth.
• Personality: Humanize your essay by sharing personal anecdotes or values that drive you. This adds depth and relatability to your narrative.

Creating a Structured Outline

Once you have gathered material, organize your thoughts into a coherent outline. Each section should contribute to a unified narrative:

1. Introduction: Start with a concrete moment or scene that captures your leadership journey or commitment to diversity.
2. Body Paragraphs: Dedicate each paragraph to one of the four material buckets. Ensure each paragraph has a clear main idea and flows logically to the next.
3. Conclusion: Reflect on how your experiences have shaped your aspirations and how the scholarship will help you achieve your goals.

Drafting Voice and Style

When drafting your essay, use an active voice and specific language. Avoid clichés and general statements. Instead of saying you are “passionate” about a cause, illustrate your commitment with a specific example. Each section should answer the question, “So what?” to demonstrate the significance of your experiences.

Revision and Reflection

After completing your draft, take a break before revising. Review your essay for clarity and coherence. Check that each paragraph serves a purpose and contributes to your overall narrative. Seek feedback from peers or mentors, and be open to constructive criticism. Ensure that your final draft reflects your authentic voice and perspective.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

As you prepare your essay, be mindful of these common mistakes:

• Avoid vague statements and superlatives that lack evidence.
• Do not rely on passive voice; always highlight your actions.
• Steer clear of clichés that do not add value to your narrative.
• Ensure all facts and experiences are genuine; do not fabricate details.