How to Craft Your Essay for the Paul T. and Concetta Mooney Fellowship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

Your essay should reflect your unique journey. To effectively gather material, consider the following four buckets:

• Background: Reflect on your upbringing, education, and experiences that have shaped your perspective. What key moments stand out?
• Achievements: Identify significant accomplishments in your academic, professional, or volunteer life. Quantify these achievements where possible—think of metrics or specific outcomes that illustrate your impact.
• The Gap: Acknowledge areas where you seek growth. What knowledge or skills do you hope to gain through further study at Loyola University Chicago? Be specific about how the fellowship will bridge this gap.
• Personality: Infuse your essay with personal details that reveal your values and character. What drives you? What are your passions outside of academics?

Creating a Structured Outline

Once you have gathered your material, create an outline that organizes your thoughts logically. Aim for a clear introduction, body paragraphs that each focus on a single idea, and a strong conclusion. Each paragraph should transition smoothly to the next, maintaining a cohesive flow throughout your essay.

Drafting with Voice and Specificity

As you draft, focus on using an active voice and specific language. Begin with a compelling scene or moment that draws the reader in, rather than starting with a thesis statement. For each section, reflect on what changed for you and why it matters—this will help answer the “So what?” question for the committee.

Revision and the “So What?” Factor

After drafting, take a step back and revise your work. Look for opportunities to enhance clarity and impact. Ensure that each paragraph contributes to your overall narrative and answers the prompt effectively. Ask yourself if your essay clearly communicates your motivations and aspirations.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of clichés and vague statements. Avoid phrases like “From a young age” or “I have always been passionate about.” Instead, ground your statements in specific experiences and outcomes. Do not use passive voice unnecessarily, and refrain from inventing details about your background or achievements that could mislead the committee.