How to Craft Your Essay for the Dillmann Family Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

To create a compelling narrative, gather material across these four categories:

• Background: Reflect on your upbringing, values, and experiences that have shaped who you are. Consider moments that instilled a sense of purpose or direction in your life.
• Achievements: Identify key accomplishments that demonstrate your skills and determination. Use metrics or specific outcomes to showcase your impact, such as projects completed, leadership roles, or awards received.
• The Gap: Recognize what you currently lack in your educational journey and how further study at Loyola University Chicago will bridge that gap. Be specific about your academic and professional aspirations.
• Personality: Infuse your essay with personal details that humanize your narrative. Share stories or anecdotes that reveal your character, values, and what drives you.

Creating an Outline

Organize your thoughts into a clear outline. Start with an engaging introduction that draws the reader in with a specific moment or story. Follow this with sections that cover each of the four material buckets, ensuring that each paragraph has a clear focus and contributes to your overall narrative. Conclude with a strong statement about your future goals and how the scholarship will help you achieve them.

Drafting Voice and Style

As you draft, maintain an active voice and clear, engaging language. Avoid clichés and vague statements. Instead of saying you are passionate about a subject, illustrate that passion through specific examples and experiences. Ensure that each paragraph transitions smoothly to the next, guiding the reader through your story.

Revision and the “So What?” Factor

After drafting, take time to revise. Ask yourself, “So what?” for each section. What insights or reflections have you gained from your experiences? How have they shaped your future aspirations? Ensure that your essay not only tells your story but also reflects your growth and commitment to making a positive impact.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of these common pitfalls:

• Starting with clichés or generic statements.
• Using passive voice or overly bureaucratic language.
• Failing to provide specific examples or metrics to support claims.
• Neglecting to connect your past experiences to your future goals.
• Overlooking the importance of proofreading for grammar and clarity.