How to Craft Your Essay for the Think Vacuums Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

To create a well-rounded essay, explore the four material buckets: background, achievements, the gap, and personality.

• Background: Consider experiences that have shaped your academic and personal life. Think about pivotal moments or influences that led you to pursue your education at Loyola.
• Achievements: Identify specific accomplishments that demonstrate your capabilities. Use metrics where possible, such as projects completed, leadership roles held, or community service hours contributed.
• The Gap: Reflect on what you currently lack in your education or experiences and how this scholarship will help fill that gap. Be honest about your aspirations and the steps you need to take to achieve them.
• Personality: Infuse your essay with humanizing details that reveal your values and character. Share anecdotes that illustrate who you are beyond your academic achievements.

Outlining Your Essay

Once you have gathered material from the four buckets, create an outline. Start with a strong opening that draws the reader in, perhaps by sharing a specific moment that encapsulates your journey. Follow with sections that cover each of the four buckets, ensuring that each paragraph focuses on one main idea and transitions logically to the next.

Drafting Voice and Style

As you draft, maintain an active voice and precise language. Avoid clichés and vague statements. Instead of saying you are passionate about a subject, demonstrate this passion through specific examples and outcomes from your experiences. Ensure that every section answers the question of “So what?” by reflecting on the significance of your experiences and aspirations.

Revision and “So What?”

After drafting, take a break before revising. Review your essay with fresh eyes, focusing on clarity and coherence. Ask yourself if each paragraph contributes to a compelling narrative. Ensure that your reflections convey insight and underscore the importance of your journey and goals. Seek feedback from trusted mentors or peers who can provide constructive criticism.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of common pitfalls in scholarship essays:

• Using clichés or generic statements that do not add value to your narrative.
• Neglecting to provide specific examples or metrics that demonstrate your achievements.
• Writing in a passive voice, which can dilute the impact of your experiences.
• Failing to connect your background and aspirations to the scholarship’s objectives.