How to Craft Your Essay for the Meyers Family Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

Organize your thoughts into four key areas:

• Background: Reflect on your upbringing, influences, and experiences that shaped your educational journey. Consider pivotal moments that led you to pursue higher education.
• Achievements: Identify significant accomplishments, whether academic, extracurricular, or community-related. Use metrics and specific outcomes to illustrate your impact, such as leadership roles, projects completed, or awards received.
• The Gap: Acknowledge any gaps in your experience or education. Discuss how the Meyers Family Scholarship will help you bridge these gaps and achieve your goals at Loyola University Chicago.
• Personality: Infuse your essay with personal anecdotes that reveal your values and character. Specific stories can humanize your application and make it memorable.

Creating an Outline

Your outline should reflect a logical flow of ideas. Start with a compelling opening that captures attention, followed by sections that address each of the four buckets. Ensure each section transitions smoothly to the next, maintaining coherence throughout your essay. Consider using the STAR method to structure achievements and challenges, focusing on the situation, task, action, and result.

Drafting Voice and Style

When drafting, aim for clarity and specificity. Begin with an engaging moment or scene that illustrates your journey or a key insight. Avoid clichés and empty statements; instead, reflect on your experiences and articulate their significance. Use active voice and concrete language to enhance the impact of your writing.

Revision & “So What?”

After drafting, take time to revise your essay. Focus on clarity, coherence, and emotional resonance. For each section, ask yourself, “So what?” to ensure you are conveying the importance of your experiences and aspirations. Seek feedback from peers or mentors to gain different perspectives on your essay.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of these common mistakes:

• Avoid starting with generic statements or clichés.
• Do not exaggerate or fabricate experiences—honesty is crucial.
• Steer clear of passive voice; ensure your writing is direct and engaging.
• Refrain from using jargon or overly complex language; clarity is key.