How to Craft Your Essay for the Steven LaVoie Memorial Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

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

• Background: Reflect on experiences that have shaped your academic and personal journey. Consider family influences, cultural background, or significant life events.
• Achievements: List your accomplishments, focusing on quantifiable outcomes. Include leadership roles, awards, volunteer work, or projects that demonstrate your capabilities.
• The Gap: Identify areas where you seek growth. Discuss why further study at Loyola University Chicago is essential for your personal or professional development.
• Personality: Think about what makes you unique. Share humanizing details that reveal your values, interests, and aspirations.

Outlining Your Essay

Construct an outline based on your brainstorming. Start with an engaging introduction that sets the scene or presents a pivotal moment in your life. Follow with body paragraphs that delve into each material bucket, ensuring each paragraph focuses on a single idea. Conclude with a reflection on how your experiences have prepared you for future challenges and contributions.

Drafting Voice and Style

When drafting, maintain an active voice and use specific examples to illustrate your points. Avoid clichés and abstract statements. Instead of saying you are passionate about something, demonstrate that passion through your actions and achievements. Ensure your writing flows logically from one paragraph to the next, guiding the reader through your narrative.

Revision and “So What?”

After completing your draft, take a step back and review your work. Ask yourself: What insights have I shared? Why do they matter? Ensure each section answers the “So what?” question, emphasizing the impact of your experiences on your future goals. Seek feedback from peers or mentors and revise accordingly to enhance clarity and coherence.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Avoid common pitfalls such as vague language, excessive jargon, or overly complex sentences. Steer clear of passive voice and bureaucratic phrasing. Remember to stay authentic; do not fabricate experiences or embellish achievements. Lastly, ensure your essay aligns with the scholarship's values and goals.