How to Craft Your Essay for the Michaela d'Afflisio 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 experiences that have shaped you. What challenges have you faced, and how have they influenced your goals?
• Achievements: Identify specific accomplishments that demonstrate your capabilities. Use metrics where possible—such as leadership roles, community service hours, or projects completed.
• The Gap: Consider what you currently lack that this scholarship can help you overcome. Why is further study at Loyola essential for your personal and professional development?
• Personality: Infuse your essay with personal anecdotes that reveal your values and character. Specific moments can illustrate your resilience, creativity, or commitment to your field.

Outlining Your Essay

Once you have brainstormed your ideas, create an outline that organizes your thoughts logically. Start with an engaging introduction that sets the scene or presents a pivotal moment in your life. Follow this with body paragraphs that explore each of the four buckets, ensuring each paragraph focuses on a single idea. Conclude with a strong closing that reiterates your commitment to making an impact through your education.

Drafting Voice and Style

Your writing should be clear and active. Use specific examples to support your claims and avoid generalizations. Instead of stating your passion, show it through your experiences and the challenges you've overcome. Open with a concrete moment rather than a thesis statement, and make sure to reflect on what you learned and why it matters.

Revision and the “So What?” Factor

After drafting your essay, take a step back and review your work. Ask yourself, “So what?” for each major point. Does your essay convey why you are a deserving candidate for this scholarship? Ensure that each section connects back to your overarching narrative and demonstrates your potential for real-world impact.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of clichés and vague statements. Avoid starting with phrases like “From a young age” or “I have always been passionate about.” Instead, focus on specific experiences that illustrate your journey. Additionally, steer clear of passive voice and bureaucratic language; your essay should feel personal and engaging.