How to Craft Your Essay for the Barnes & Noble Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

Organize your thoughts into four key material buckets: background, achievements, the gap, and personality.

• Background: Reflect on experiences that have shaped your educational journey. Consider family influences, personal challenges, or formative experiences that led you to pursue higher education.
• Achievements: List significant accomplishments, both academic and extracurricular. Quantify your achievements where possible, such as GPA, awards, or leadership roles.
• The Gap: Identify what you currently lack in terms of skills or knowledge that further study will address. Explain how the scholarship will help bridge this gap.
• Personality: Highlight unique aspects of your character. Share personal anecdotes that reveal your values, interests, and motivations.

Outline Your Essay

Draft a clear outline to organize your thoughts. Start with an engaging opening that draws the reader in with a specific moment or story. Follow this with sections that cover each of the four buckets, ensuring each paragraph has a clear focus. Conclude with a strong closing that reiterates your commitment to your education and future goals.

Drafting Voice and Style

When drafting, use an active voice and be specific. For example, instead of saying, "I participated in community service," say, "I organized a food drive that collected over 500 pounds of food for local families." Ensure that each paragraph transitions smoothly to the next, maintaining a logical flow of ideas. Avoid clichés and vague statements; instead, focus on concrete details that illustrate your points.

Revision and the “So What?” Factor

After drafting, take a break before revising. Read your essay with fresh eyes and ask yourself, “So what?” for each major point. Ensure that your essay not only tells your story but also reflects why your experiences and aspirations matter to the scholarship committee. Seek feedback from peers or mentors who can provide constructive criticism.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Avoid common mistakes such as using clichés or vague language. Steer clear of passive voice and overly complex sentences. Ensure that your essay remains focused on your unique experiences and aspirations, rather than generic statements about education or ambition. Lastly, double-check for any factual inaccuracies or grammatical errors before submission.