Crafting Your Essay for the Maureen McIntyre Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

Organize your thoughts by exploring the following four material buckets:

• Background: Consider significant experiences that shaped your values and aspirations. What personal or community challenges have you faced, and how have they influenced your educational goals?
• Achievements: Identify key accomplishments that showcase your skills and impact. Use metrics or specific outcomes to illustrate your contributions, whether in academics, extracurricular activities, or community service.
• The Gap: Reflect on what you currently lack and how further study at Loyola will help you bridge that gap. Be specific about the skills or knowledge you seek to acquire.
• Personality: Infuse your essay with personal anecdotes that reveal your character and values. This humanizing detail will help the committee connect with you beyond your achievements.

Creating an Outline

Draft an outline to organize your thoughts cohesively. Each section should focus on one idea:

1. Introduction: Start with a compelling moment or scene that draws the reader in.
2. Background: Discuss your formative experiences and how they relate to your educational journey.
3. Achievements: Highlight your key accomplishments, using specific examples to demonstrate impact.
4. The Gap: Clearly articulate what you hope to achieve through your studies at Loyola.
5. Personality: Share personal stories that reflect your values and aspirations.
6. Conclusion: Reflect on your journey and express your commitment to making a difference.

Drafting Voice and Style

When drafting your essay, maintain an active voice and focus on clarity. Avoid vague statements and ensure that every sentence serves a purpose. Use specific examples and details to support your claims, answering the “So what?” question throughout your narrative.

Revision and Reflection

After completing your draft, take a step back and review your work critically. Ensure that each section flows logically into the next, and that your main ideas are clear and compelling. Seek feedback from trusted peers or mentors, and be open to making revisions that enhance clarity and impact.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of these common pitfalls when writing your essay:

• Avoid clichés and generic statements that do not add value to your narrative.
• Do not rely on passive voice; ensure your writing is direct and engaging.
• Steer clear of vague language; be specific about your experiences and aspirations.
• Do not fabricate details or achievements; authenticity is crucial.