← Back to Scholarship Essay Guides
How to Craft Your Essay for the Kress Family Scholarship
By Daur, ScholarshipTop founder and scholarship data reviewer
Reviewed by ScholarshipTop editorial review · Published Apr 26, 2026
ScholarshipTop editorial guide. Writing guidance does not guarantee eligibility, selection, or award payment.
Understanding the Prompt
Begin by carefully reading the scholarship prompt provided by Loyola University Chicago. Identify the key themes and expectations. Consider what the committee values in applicants and how you can align your experiences and aspirations with those values. Remember that the essay is an opportunity to showcase not just your academic achievements but also your personal journey and future goals.
Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets
To create a compelling narrative, gather material across four key areas:
- Background: Reflect on your upbringing, education, and experiences that have shaped your values and aspirations. Consider pivotal moments that influenced your decision to pursue higher education.
- Achievements: List your accomplishments, focusing on quantifiable outcomes. Include leadership roles, community service, or projects that demonstrate your commitment and impact.
- The Gap: Identify areas where you seek growth through further education. Consider skills or knowledge you currently lack that the scholarship will help you acquire.
- Personality: Think about the unique traits that define you. What values guide your decisions? How do you engage with your community? Include specific anecdotes that illustrate your character.
Creating an Outline
Match workspace
Find scholarships that fit your profile
Organize your thoughts into a structured outline. Begin with an engaging opening that draws the reader in, possibly through a personal story or significant moment. Follow with sections that address each of the four buckets, ensuring a logical flow. Conclude by tying your experiences back to the scholarship's purpose and how it aligns with your future goals.
Drafting Voice and Style
As you draft your essay, aim for an active voice that emphasizes your role in each experience. Use specific examples and avoid vague statements. Each paragraph should focus on a single idea and transition smoothly to the next, maintaining clarity and coherence throughout. Remember to reflect on the significance of each experience—answer the “So what?” question to demonstrate its relevance.
Revision and Reflection
After completing your draft, take a break before revising. Look for opportunities to enhance clarity and impact. Ensure that each section contributes to a cohesive narrative. Consider seeking feedback from mentors or peers who can provide constructive criticism. Reflect on how your essay conveys your journey and aspirations, making sure it resonates with the values of the Kress Family Scholarship.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
Be mindful of clichés and generic statements that do not add value. Avoid passive voice and overly bureaucratic language. Ensure that your essay is authentic and personal; do not invent facts or embellish experiences. Stay focused on your unique story and how it aligns with the scholarship’s objectives.
FAQ
What should I include in my scholarship essay?
How can I make my essay stand out?
What is the best way to start my essay?
Related articles
Related scholarships
Browse the full scholarship catalog — filter by deadline, category, and more.
- NEW
Goals Essay Scholarship
International students can compare this scholarship with a listed award of $500 and a Aug 1 deadline while planning eligibility fit and required materials.
Best for: International students$500
Award Amount
Aug 1
Aug 1
$500
Award Amount
MiscellaneousFew RequirementsInternational StudentsHigh School SeniorHigh SchoolUndergraduateGraduateGPA 3.0+ - Fellows are placed at one of the participating USA universities . Fellows are not able to choose which university they will attend. Rather, they are assigned in diverse groups of 7-15 to the most appropriate host institution based on their area of interest and professional field. Level/Field of study: As a non-degree program, the Fellowship offers valuable opportunities for professional development through selected university courses, attending conferences, networking, and practical work experiences. The eligible program fields are: • Agricultural and Rural Development • Communications/Journalism • Economic Development • Educational Administration, Planning and Policy • Finance and Banking • Higher Education Administration • HIV/AIDS Policy and Prevention • Human Resource Management • Law and Human Rights • Natural Resources, Environmental Policy, and Climate Change • Public Health Policy and Management • Public Policy Analysis and Public Administration • Substance Abuse Education, Treatment and Prevention • Teaching of English as a Foreign Language • Technology Policy and Management • Trafficking in Persons Policy and Prevention • Urban and Regional Planning Number of Awards: Approximately 200 Fellowships are awarded annually.VerifiedNEW
Hubert Humphrey in USA for International Students
Agriculture and Related Sciences students can compare this scholarship with a listed award of Amount Varies and a Oct 1 deadline while planning eligibility fit and required materials.
Best for: Agriculture and Related Sciences studentsRecurringAmount Varies
Award Amount
Paid to school
Oct 1
Annual deadline
Oct 1
Annual deadline
Amount Varies
Award Amount
Paid to school
- VerifiedNEW
Central University Academic Scholarships
Visual and Performing Arts students can compare this opportunity with a listed award of $1,000-12,000 and review the application path in ScholarshipTop.
Best for: Visual and Performing Arts students$1,000-12,000
Award Amount
Paid to school
—
—
$1,000-12,000
Award Amount
Paid to school