Crafting Your Essay for the Sisters of the Resurrection Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

To create a compelling essay, gather material across four key areas:

• Background: Consider your upbringing, cultural influences, and any significant life events that have shaped your worldview. Think about how these experiences have instilled in you a sense of purpose.
• Achievements: Identify key accomplishments in your academic, professional, or volunteer life. Focus on metrics or outcomes that illustrate your impact, such as leadership roles, projects completed, or community initiatives you have spearheaded.
• The Gap: Reflect on what you still seek to learn or achieve. Articulate how the scholarship will help bridge the gap between your current capabilities and your future aspirations, particularly in relation to your studies at Loyola University Chicago.
• Personality: Infuse your essay with personal details that reveal your values and character. Share anecdotes that highlight your resilience, empathy, or commitment to service.

Outlining Your Essay

Organize your thoughts into a clear outline. A typical structure might include:

1. Introduction: Start with a vivid moment or scene that encapsulates your journey or commitment to service.
2. Body Paragraphs: Dedicate each paragraph to one of the four buckets, ensuring each section flows logically to the next. Use specific examples to illustrate your points.
3. Conclusion: Reflect on how receiving this scholarship will empower you to continue your mission of service and make a positive impact on your community.

Drafting Voice and Style

As you draft your essay, maintain an active voice and focus on clarity. Avoid abstract language; instead, use concrete details that engage the reader. Each paragraph should center around a single idea, and transitions should guide the reader through your narrative smoothly.

Revision and the “So What?” Factor

After drafting, take time to revise your essay. Ask yourself, “So what?” after each major point. Ensure that you are not only stating facts but also reflecting on their significance. What did you learn from your experiences? How do they prepare you for future challenges? This reflection will deepen your essay and demonstrate your growth.

Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of common pitfalls:

• Avoid clichés and vague statements that do not provide clear insight into your experiences.
• Steer clear of passive voice; ensure your writing is dynamic and engaging.
• Do not fabricate details or embellish your achievements; authenticity is key.