How to Write Your Essay for the Occidental Petroleum Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

To create a compelling narrative, gather material across the following four buckets:

• Background: Reflect on your personal journey. What experiences have shaped your identity and aspirations? Consider family influences, educational experiences, or community involvement.
• Achievements: Identify key accomplishments that demonstrate your skills and dedication. Use specific metrics or outcomes where possible, such as projects completed, leadership roles held, or community service hours logged.
• The Gap: Acknowledge any challenges you face in pursuing your education. What barriers exist, and how does this scholarship help you overcome them? Be honest about your needs and articulate how further study aligns with your goals.
• Personality: Infuse your essay with personal anecdotes that reveal your values and character. What motivates you? How do you engage with others? Specific details will help the committee connect with you on a human level.

Creating an Outline

Organize your thoughts into a structured outline. A suggested format might include:

1. Introduction: Start with an engaging moment or scene that captures your journey or motivation.
2. Body Paragraphs: Dedicate one paragraph to each of the four buckets. Ensure that each paragraph has a clear main idea and flows logically to the next.
3. Conclusion: Reflect on your aspirations and how the scholarship will facilitate your future contributions. Reiterate your commitment to making a positive impact.

Drafting Voice and Style

As you draft your essay, maintain an active voice and clear, concise language. Avoid jargon or overly complex sentences. Each paragraph should focus on a single idea, and transitions should guide the reader through your narrative seamlessly. Remember to answer the “So what?” question in each section, reflecting on how your experiences and aspirations matter.

Revision and “So What?”

After completing your draft, take a step back and review your work. Look for opportunities to deepen reflections and clarify your message. Ask yourself if each section effectively conveys your journey and aligns with the scholarship’s values. Seek feedback from peers or mentors, and be open to making revisions that enhance clarity and impact.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of the following pitfalls:

• Avoid cliché openers and generic statements. Start with a specific moment that captures your essence.
• Steer clear of vague claims about passion or ambition without supporting evidence.
• Do not resort to passive voice; use active constructions to convey your agency.
• Ensure all facts about your experiences are accurate and verifiable. Do not invent details or embellish your accomplishments.