How to Craft Your Essay for the Honorable Joseph A. Power Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

Gather material for your essay by exploring the following four categories:

• Background: Consider what experiences have shaped your educational journey. Think about family influences, cultural background, or significant life events.
• Achievements: Identify key accomplishments that showcase your skills and dedication. Quantify your achievements where possible, such as leadership roles, academic honors, or community service metrics.
• The Gap: Reflect on what you hope to gain from further study at Loyola University Chicago. Identify specific skills or knowledge you currently lack that this scholarship would help you address.
• Personality: Infuse your essay with personal anecdotes that reveal your character. Share moments that illustrate your values, resilience, and commitment to making a difference.

Creating an Outline

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

1. Introduction: Start with a compelling moment or experience that draws the reader in.
2. Background: Discuss your formative experiences and how they relate to your academic goals.
3. Achievements: Highlight specific accomplishments, using metrics and details to demonstrate impact.
4. The Gap: Clearly articulate what you aim to achieve through further study.
5. Personality: Share personal stories that connect your experiences to your aspirations.
6. Conclusion: Reflect on how receiving this scholarship will enable you to contribute to your community and field.

Drafting with Voice and Clarity

As you draft, focus on using an active voice and specific language. Avoid generic statements and instead provide concrete examples that illustrate your points. Each paragraph should center on a single idea, ensuring clarity and logical flow.

Revision and the “So What?” Factor

After drafting, take a step back and review your essay with fresh eyes. Ask yourself, “So what?” for each section. Ensure that every experience and achievement you include contributes meaningfully to your narrative and supports your application for the scholarship.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of these common mistakes:

• Avoid clichés and vague statements. Instead, strive for originality and specificity.
• Do not rely on passive voice; ensure your writing is engaging and direct.
• Refrain from fabricating details or experiences—authenticity is crucial.
• Ensure your essay is well-organized and free from grammatical errors.