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How to Craft Your Essay for the Belen B. Jaquez Scholarship
By Daur, ScholarshipTop founder and scholarship data reviewer
Reviewed by ScholarshipTop editorial review · Published Apr 22, 2026
ScholarshipTop editorial guide. Writing guidance does not guarantee eligibility, selection, or award payment.
Understanding the Prompt
Before you start writing, take time to understand what the Belen B. Jaquez Scholarship seeks in its applicants. This scholarship is designed to support nursing students at Loyola University Chicago. Your essay should reflect your commitment to nursing, your experiences, and how this scholarship will help you achieve your educational and professional goals.
Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets
To structure your thoughts effectively, consider the four material buckets: background, achievements, gap, and personality.
- Background: Reflect on your personal journey. What experiences led you to pursue nursing? Consider family influences, personal challenges, or pivotal moments that shaped your decision.
- Achievements: Highlight specific accomplishments in your academic or professional life. Use metrics where possible, such as GPA, volunteer hours, or leadership roles. Focus on outcomes that demonstrate your dedication and capability in nursing.
- The Gap: Identify what you currently lack that this scholarship could help address. This might include financial needs, specific training, or educational opportunities that will enhance your nursing skills.
- Personality: Share insights that humanize you. What values drive you? Include anecdotes that reveal your character and passion for nursing.
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Outlining Your Essay
Once you have gathered your thoughts, create an outline. Start with an engaging opening that draws the reader in with a concrete moment or scene from your life. Follow with sections that delve into each of the four buckets, ensuring each paragraph has a clear focus and flows logically to the next. Conclude with a strong closing that ties back to your opening and reinforces your commitment to nursing.
Drafting Voice and Style
As you draft, maintain an active voice. Use specific details and avoid vague statements. Each paragraph should focus on one main idea, and transitions should guide the reader through your narrative. Reflect on what you learned from your experiences and articulate why these insights matter to your future in nursing.
Revision and the “So What?” Factor
After drafting, take a step back to revise. Ask yourself, “So what?” for each section. Ensure that your reflections on experiences and insights clearly connect to your goals and the impact you wish to make in the nursing field. Seek feedback from trusted peers or mentors who can provide constructive criticism.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
Be mindful of cliché openers and filler phrases. Avoid passive voice and abstract language that lacks specificity. Ensure that all facts are accurate and verifiable. Do not exaggerate achievements or invent experiences; authenticity is key in making a genuine connection with the scholarship committee.
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