How to Craft Your Essay for the SPEH Family Student Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

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

• Background: Consider your personal history, including experiences that have shaped your educational journey. Reflect on challenges you've faced and how they have influenced your aspirations.
• Achievements: Identify key accomplishments in your academic and extracurricular life. Use specific metrics and outcomes to demonstrate your impact—think about leadership roles, projects, or community service.
• The Gap: Assess what you currently lack that this scholarship will help you address. Be honest about your financial needs and articulate how furthering your education at Loyola will bridge that gap.
• Personality: Infuse your essay with humanizing details. Share anecdotes that reveal your values, interests, and what makes you unique.

Creating an Outline

Structure your essay logically by creating an outline. Start with an engaging introduction that draws the reader in. Follow with sections dedicated to each of the four buckets, ensuring each paragraph has a clear focus. Conclude by tying together your main points and reiterating the significance of the scholarship in your educational journey.

Drafting Voice and Style

When drafting, aim for an active voice that conveys confidence and clarity. Use specific examples rather than vague statements. Avoid clichés and ensure each sentence adds value to your narrative. Open with a concrete moment or scene that captures attention and sets the stage for your story.

Revision and the “So What?” Factor

After drafting, take a step back and revise your work. Ask yourself: What changed in me through these experiences? Why does this matter? Ensure that each section reflects on your growth and how it connects to your future goals. Seek feedback from peers or mentors to gain perspective on clarity and impact.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of common pitfalls when writing your essay:

• Avoid starting with clichés or generic statements. Instead, focus on a specific moment that illustrates your journey.
• Steer clear of vague language. Use concrete details, numbers, and outcomes to support your claims.
• Do not invent facts or embellish your experiences. Authenticity is key to connecting with the committee.
• Ensure each paragraph has a clear purpose and contributes to your overall narrative.