How to Write a Compelling Essay for the Robert R. Otremba Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

Organize your thoughts by exploring the four material buckets: background, achievements, the gap, and personality.

• Background: Reflect on your formative experiences, family influences, and educational environment. Consider how these elements have shaped your aspirations and values.
• Achievements: List significant accomplishments, both academic and extracurricular. Quantify your contributions when possible—mention leadership roles, projects, or initiatives that demonstrate your impact.
• The Gap: Identify areas where you seek growth. Explain why further study at Loyola University Chicago is essential for bridging these gaps, focusing on specific programs or opportunities.
• Personality: Share personal anecdotes that reveal your character, values, and motivations. This is your chance to connect with the committee on a human level.

Creating an Outline

Draft a structured outline based on your brainstorming. Start with an engaging introduction that sets the scene, perhaps with a specific moment that reflects your journey. Follow with sections dedicated to each of the four buckets, ensuring each paragraph flows logically to the next. Conclude with a strong statement about your future goals and how the scholarship will help you achieve them.

Drafting Voice and Style

When drafting, maintain an active voice and focus on clarity. Avoid clichés and vague statements; instead, use specific examples that showcase your experiences and insights. Each paragraph should center on a single idea, with transitions that guide the reader through your narrative.

Revision and the “So What?” Factor

After completing your first draft, take a step back and reflect on the “So what?” of your essay. Ensure that each section not only narrates your experiences but also highlights their significance. Ask yourself how your story contributes to your future goals and the mission of the scholarship.

Pitfalls to Avoid

Stay clear of common pitfalls such as:

• Using clichés or generic statements that don’t provide insight into your unique journey.
• Neglecting to quantify achievements, which can weaken your narrative.
• Failing to connect your background and aspirations to the scholarship’s objectives.
• Writing passively or using overly complex language that obscures your message.