How to Craft Your Essay for the Steven L. Lisker Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

To create a compelling narrative, gather material across the four key buckets:

• Background: Consider your personal history, including family influences, cultural background, and formative experiences that have shaped your perspective.
• Achievements: Identify significant accomplishments in academics, extracurricular activities, or community service. Use metrics and specific examples to demonstrate your impact.
• The Gap: Reflect on what you currently lack in terms of skills or knowledge and how attending Loyola will help bridge that gap. Be specific about your goals and aspirations.
• Personality: Think about what makes you unique. Include humanizing details that reveal your values, interests, and motivations.

Outline Your Essay Structure

Organize your thoughts into a clear outline. A typical structure might include:

1. Introduction: Start with a vivid scene or moment that encapsulates your journey or aspirations. Avoid generic statements.
2. Body Paragraphs: Dedicate each paragraph to one of the four buckets. Ensure each section flows logically into the next, maintaining a coherent narrative.
3. Conclusion: Reflect on how the scholarship will empower you to achieve your goals. Emphasize the broader impact you aim to have on your community and beyond.

Drafting Voice and Style

When drafting your essay, use an active voice and specific language. Describe actions and outcomes clearly. Avoid vague statements and clichés. Instead of saying you are passionate about something, show it through your experiences and insights. Each paragraph should focus on one main idea, with transitions that guide the reader through your narrative.

Revision and Reflection: The “So What?” Factor

After completing your draft, take a step back and reflect on each section. Ask yourself, “So what?” What insights have you gained? How do your experiences connect to your future goals? Ensure that each paragraph contributes to a cohesive message about your readiness for this scholarship and your commitment to making a difference.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of these common mistakes:

• Avoid starting with clichés or generic statements that do not engage the reader.
• Steer clear of vague language; provide concrete examples and metrics.
• Do not invent facts or embellish your experiences. Authenticity is key.
• Ensure your essay is well-organized, with clear transitions and a logical flow.