How to Write Your Essay for the Occidental Petroleum Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

Utilize the four material buckets to gather relevant material for your essay:

• Background: Reflect on your personal history, including experiences that have shaped your values and aspirations. Consider family influences, community involvement, or pivotal moments in your education.
• Achievements: Identify key accomplishments that demonstrate your leadership, responsibility, and impact. Use specific metrics or outcomes to quantify your contributions, such as volunteer hours, projects led, or awards received.
• The Gap: Acknowledge any gaps in your education or experience that you aim to address through further study. Explain why this scholarship is essential for your academic journey and how it will help you overcome these challenges.
• Personality: Infuse your essay with personal anecdotes that reveal your character and values. Use specific examples to illustrate your determination, resilience, and commitment to making a difference.

Outline Your Essay

Creating a structured outline will help you organize your thoughts and ensure a logical flow. Consider the following structure:

1. Introduction: Start with a vivid moment or scene that captures your motivation for applying. Avoid generic statements.
2. Background: Discuss your personal history and experiences that shaped your goals.
3. Achievements: Highlight key accomplishments and their significance.
4. The Gap: Explain the gaps in your education and how this scholarship will help bridge them.
5. Personality: Share personal stories that reflect your values and commitment to impact.
6. Conclusion: Reflect on your journey and reiterate how the scholarship aligns with your future goals.

Drafting Voice and Style

As you draft your essay, maintain an active voice and clear, concise language. Each paragraph should focus on one main idea, with transitions that guide the reader through your narrative. Reflect on your experiences and articulate what you learned from them. Always consider the “So what?” question—what does your experience mean for your future and the community?

Revision and “So What?”

After drafting, take time to revise your essay. Look for clarity, coherence, and engagement. Ensure each section contributes meaningfully to your overall message. Ask yourself how your experiences and aspirations align with the scholarship’s mission. Seek feedback from peers or mentors to gain different perspectives on your narrative.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of these common mistakes:

• Avoid clichés and generic statements that do not add value to your narrative.
• Do not rely on vague expressions of passion without concrete examples.
• Steer clear of passive voice; use active constructions to convey your agency.
• Ensure all facts and experiences are authentic and verifiable.