School Law Faculty Diversity Scholarship Essay Guide

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

Organize your thoughts into four key material buckets: Background, Achievements, The Gap, and Personality.

• Background: Consider your upbringing, cultural influences, and formative experiences. What events or people have shaped your perspective on diversity?
• Achievements: Identify significant accomplishments in your academic, professional, or community life. Quantify these achievements where possible—think about leadership roles, initiatives you’ve led, or awards you’ve received.
• The Gap: Reflect on areas where you seek growth. What knowledge or skills do you hope to gain through your studies at Loyola? Why is this scholarship essential for you to bridge that gap?
• Personality: Share personal anecdotes that reveal your values, passions, and character. Consider how these traits influence your approach to law and advocacy.

Outlining Your Essay

Once you have gathered material across the four buckets, create an outline. Structure your essay to ensure a logical flow:

1. Introduction: Open with a vivid scene or moment that encapsulates your journey or perspective on diversity.
2. Body Paragraphs: Dedicate each paragraph to a specific theme or idea. Use the STAR framework to illustrate your achievements and experiences. For example, describe a situation where you faced a challenge, the task at hand, the action you took, and the result.
3. Conclusion: Reflect on how your experiences have prepared you for the challenges ahead. Emphasize your commitment to contributing positively to the Loyola community.

Drafting Voice and Style

As you draft, maintain an active voice. Use specific details and metrics to support your claims. Avoid vague statements and clichés. Instead of saying you are “passionate,” demonstrate it through your actions and experiences. This will make your essay more compelling and authentic.

Revision & “So What?”

After drafting, take a break before revising. When you return to your essay, ask yourself, “So what?” after each major point. Ensure each section reflects not only what you have done but also why it matters to the scholarship committee and the Loyola community. Seek feedback from peers or mentors to gain different perspectives.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of these common mistakes:

• Avoid starting with clichés or generic statements.
• Do not fabricate experiences or achievements; authenticity is crucial.
• Steer clear of passive voice; always highlight your role in your achievements.
• Ensure clarity and coherence; each paragraph should contribute to your overall narrative.