How to Craft Your Essay for the Mullins and Lenfesty Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

Organize your thoughts by focusing on the four material buckets: Background, Achievements, The Gap, and Personality.

• Background: Reflect on your journey in track and field. What experiences have shaped your passion for the sport? Consider specific moments that influenced your commitment.
• Achievements: List your accomplishments in track and field. Include metrics such as times, rankings, or leadership roles. Be specific about your responsibilities and the outcomes of your efforts.
• The Gap: Identify areas where you seek growth. What skills or knowledge do you hope to gain from further study at Loyola? Explain why this scholarship is essential for your educational journey.
• Personality: Share personal anecdotes that highlight your values, resilience, and character. What makes you unique as an athlete and a student?

Creating an Outline

With your material gathered, create an outline to organize your essay logically. Start with a strong opening that captures attention—consider a specific moment from your athletic career that illustrates your dedication. Follow with sections addressing each of the four buckets, ensuring each paragraph focuses on one main idea. Conclude with a reflection on how the scholarship will impact your future.

Drafting Voice and Style

As you draft, use an active voice and concrete details to bring your experiences to life. Avoid vague statements; instead, show your passion through specific examples. Each paragraph should flow logically to the next, maintaining a clear narrative that showcases your journey and aspirations.

Revision & “So What?”

After drafting, take a step back and review your essay. Ask yourself: “So what?” for each section. What insights have you gained, and why do they matter to the scholarship committee? Ensure that your reflections are clear and demonstrate your commitment to making a positive impact in your field.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of common mistakes that can weaken your essay:

• Avoid clichés and generic statements. Instead, focus on your unique experiences.
• Steer clear of passive voice; always highlight your active role in your achievements.
• Do not fabricate details or embellish your experiences. Authenticity is key.