How to Craft Your Essay for the Philip H. Corboy Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

To structure your thoughts, utilize the four material buckets: background, achievements, gap, and personality.

• Background: Reflect on your upbringing, education, and key experiences that have shaped who you are today. Consider significant moments that influenced your academic and career path.
• Achievements: Identify your most notable accomplishments. Quantify them where possible—think about leadership roles, projects, or initiatives that had a measurable impact.
• The Gap: Consider what you currently lack in terms of knowledge or experience and how the scholarship will help you bridge that gap. Be specific about your goals for further study at Loyola University Chicago.
• Personality: Share personal anecdotes that reveal your values, interests, and character. This is your opportunity to humanize your application and connect with the committee on a personal level.

Outline Your Essay

With your brainstorming complete, create a structured outline. Each section should focus on one idea, ensuring clarity and coherence. A potential structure could be:

1. Introduction: Open with a compelling moment or story that encapsulates your journey.
2. Background: Discuss your formative experiences.
3. Achievements: Highlight your key accomplishments and their significance.
4. Gap: Explain what you aim to achieve through this scholarship.
5. Personality: Share insights into your character and values.
6. Conclusion: Reflect on your aspirations and how the scholarship will enable you to make a positive impact.

Drafting Voice and Style

When drafting your essay, use an active voice and be specific in your language. Avoid clichés and vague statements. Instead of saying you are passionate about a subject, illustrate that passion with concrete examples from your life. Every paragraph should serve a purpose and contribute to the overall narrative.

Revision and the “So What?” Factor

After drafting your essay, take a step back and revise with a critical eye. Ensure that each section answers the question, “So what?” Reflect on how your experiences have changed you and why they matter to your future goals. This reflection will deepen the impact of your narrative.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

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

• Avoid starting with generic statements or clichés.
• Steer clear of vague language; be specific about your experiences and achievements.
• Do not fabricate details; ensure all information is accurate and verifiable.
• Resist the temptation to use passive voice; keep your writing direct and engaging.