How to Craft Your Essay for the Barnes & Noble Book Award

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

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

• Background: Reflect on your life experiences that have shaped who you are today. Consider family influences, educational experiences, or community involvement.
• Achievements: Identify key accomplishments in your academic and extracurricular life. Use specific metrics or outcomes to illustrate your impact, such as grades, leadership roles, or projects completed.
• The Gap: Acknowledge any gaps in your education or experiences that the scholarship will help you bridge. Explain why further study is essential for your future.
• Personality: Share personal anecdotes that reveal your values, interests, and motivations. This is your chance to humanize your application and connect with the committee on a personal level.

Creating an Outline

With your material gathered, create a clear outline for your essay. Start with a compelling opening that draws the reader in—avoid generic statements. Structure your essay to flow logically from one idea to the next, using transitions to guide the reader. Each paragraph should focus on a single idea, supporting your overall narrative.

Drafting Voice and Style

As you draft, maintain an active voice and be specific in your language. Instead of saying, “I have always been passionate about reading,” provide a concrete example: “At age ten, I completed my first novel, which ignited my love for storytelling.” Reflect on your growth and the significance of your experiences. Answer the “So what?” question to emphasize why your journey matters.

Revision & “So What?”

After drafting, take a break before revising. When you return, read your essay with fresh eyes. Look for clarity, coherence, and impact. Ensure each section contributes to your overarching narrative. Ask yourself if each paragraph answers the “So what?” question—why your story and aspirations are relevant to the scholarship committee.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of common mistakes that can undermine your essay. Avoid clichés and vague statements that lack evidence. Steer clear of passive voice and bureaucratic language; instead, focus on active, engaging writing. Ensure all details are accurate and reflective of your true experiences, avoiding any fabricated facts.