How to Write Your Essay for the Frank P. Cihlar Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

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

• Background: Consider what experiences have shaped your educational journey. Think about family influences, challenges you've faced, or formative moments that have guided your path.
• Achievements: List significant accomplishments in your academic and extracurricular activities. Use metrics and specific examples to illustrate your roles and the impact of your contributions.
• The Gap: Identify areas where you seek growth or improvement. Explain why further study at Loyola University Chicago is essential for your development and future aspirations.
• Personality: Infuse your essay with humanizing details that reflect your values and character. Share anecdotes that reveal your motivations and how you connect with others.

Creating an Outline

Structure your essay to ensure clarity and flow. A suggested outline might include:

1. Introduction: Start with a compelling moment or scene that captures your journey.
2. Background: Discuss your formative experiences.
3. Achievements: Highlight key accomplishments with specific outcomes.
4. The Gap: Explain your need for further study and how this scholarship will help.
5. Personality: Share personal anecdotes that illustrate your values.
6. Conclusion: Reflect on what you’ve learned and how you plan to make an impact moving forward.

Drafting Voice and Style

As you draft, use an active voice and focus on specific details. Avoid vague statements and clichés. Instead of saying, “I am passionate about helping others,” illustrate this through a specific example that demonstrates your commitment and the outcomes of your actions.

Revision and the “So What?” Factor

After drafting, revise your essay with a critical eye. Ask yourself, “So what?” for each section. Ensure that every paragraph contributes to your overall narrative and reflects your growth and aspirations. Seek feedback from peers or mentors to gain different perspectives.

Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of common mistakes:

• Avoid clichés and generic statements that do not reflect your unique journey.
• Do not use passive voice; always attribute actions to yourself.
• Steer clear of vague expressions of passion; instead, provide concrete examples.
• Ensure that all details are truthful and verifiable; do not fabricate experiences or achievements.