How to Write Your Essay for the Emilie Tavolieri Furda Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

To structure your thoughts, consider the following four material buckets:

• Background: Reflect on your upbringing, education, and experiences that have shaped who you are today. Identify key moments that influenced your academic and personal growth.
• Achievements: List significant accomplishments in your academic and extracurricular life. Use specific metrics, such as grades, leadership roles, or volunteer hours, to highlight your contributions and impact.
• The Gap: Acknowledge what you still need to learn or achieve and explain how further education at Loyola will help bridge this gap. Be specific about your academic and career aspirations.
• Personality: Infuse your essay with personal anecdotes that reveal your values, interests, and motivations. This is your chance to humanize your application and connect with the committee on a personal level.

Creating an Outline

Once you have gathered your material, create an outline that organizes your thoughts logically. Each section should have a clear focus:

1. Introduction: Start with a compelling moment or anecdote that draws the reader in. Avoid clichés and aim for specificity.
2. Body Paragraphs: Dedicate each paragraph to one of the four buckets. Ensure each paragraph has a clear main idea, supporting details, and a reflection on why this matters.
3. Conclusion: Summarize your key points and reiterate how the scholarship will help you achieve your goals. Leave the reader with a final thought that emphasizes your commitment to making an impact.

Drafting Voice and Style

When drafting your essay, use an active voice and maintain a confident yet reflective tone. Be specific in your language and avoid vague statements. Show your enthusiasm for your field of study and the opportunities that lie ahead, but back it up with concrete examples from your life.

Revision and “So What?”

After completing your draft, take a step back and assess your work. Ask yourself, “So what?” for each section. Ensure that every paragraph contributes meaningfully to your narrative and reflects your growth and aspirations. Look for areas where you can add detail or clarity.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

As you finalize your essay, be mindful of these common mistakes:

• Avoid clichés and generic statements that do not add value to your narrative.
• Steer clear of passive voice; make sure your actions and achievements are front and center.
• Do not invent facts or embellish your experiences; authenticity is key.
• Ensure that your essay flows logically and that each paragraph transitions smoothly to the next.