How to Craft Your Essay for the Sidney L. Delove Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

Organize your thoughts into four material buckets to ensure a comprehensive essay:

• Background: Reflect on your personal history, including family, education, and formative experiences. What events or influences have shaped your identity and academic journey?
• Achievements: List significant accomplishments, both academically and in extracurricular activities. Quantify your impact with specific metrics, such as leadership roles, projects completed, or community service hours.
• The Gap: Identify areas where you seek growth. What knowledge or skills do you lack that further study at Loyola University Chicago would help you acquire? Be honest and specific.
• Personality: Infuse your essay with personal anecdotes that reveal your values and character. What drives you? What are your passions? Use vivid details to paint a picture of who you are.

Creating an Outline

Structure your essay with a clear outline. Start with an engaging introduction that sets the scene or presents a moment that defined you. Follow with sections that flow logically through your four buckets, ensuring each paragraph focuses on a single idea. Conclude with a strong closing that reflects on your journey and outlines your future aspirations.

Drafting Voice and Style

As you draft, maintain an active voice and use specific language. Avoid clichés and vague statements; instead, provide concrete examples that illustrate your points. Each paragraph should lead the reader through your narrative, answering the “So what?” question by reflecting on the significance of your experiences and how they relate to your future goals.

Revision and Reflection

After completing your draft, take a break before revising. Review your essay for clarity, coherence, and engagement. Ensure that each section contributes to a cohesive narrative. Ask yourself if the essay effectively communicates your motivations and aspirations. Seek feedback from peers or mentors to gain additional perspectives.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of these common mistakes:

• Avoid starting with generic statements or clichés; instead, begin with a specific moment or insight.
• Steer clear of vague language and empty superlatives. Provide evidence for your claims.
• Don’t neglect the revision process. A polished essay reflects your commitment and attention to detail.