How to Craft Your Essay for the Barfield Mock Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

To create a compelling narrative, gather material across four key areas:

• Background: Reflect on your personal history. Consider what experiences shaped your educational journey, such as family influences, community involvement, or challenges you faced.
• Achievements: Identify significant accomplishments in your academic and extracurricular life. Include metrics, leadership roles, and specific outcomes that demonstrate your impact.
• The Gap: Acknowledge any gaps in your education or skills. Explain how receiving this scholarship will help bridge those gaps and enable you to pursue your goals.
• Personality: Share humanizing details that reveal your values and character. This could include hobbies, volunteer work, or unique perspectives that differentiate you from other applicants.

Outline Your Essay

Craft a clear outline to organize your thoughts. Each section should focus on one idea:

1. Introduction: Start with a concrete moment or scene that illustrates your journey or motivation.
2. Background: Discuss your formative experiences and how they led you to pursue higher education.
3. Achievements: Highlight your key accomplishments, using specific examples and metrics where possible.
4. The Gap: Clearly articulate what you lack and how the scholarship will address these needs.
5. Personality: Provide insights into your character and values, making a personal connection with the reader.
6. Conclusion: Reflect on what receiving this scholarship would mean for you and your future.

Drafting Voice and Style

Use an active voice throughout your essay. Ensure each paragraph transitions logically to the next, maintaining a coherent flow. Avoid clichés and vague statements; instead, focus on specific details and reflections that illustrate your journey and aspirations.

Revision & “So What?”

After drafting, revisit your essay with a critical eye. Ask yourself, “So what?” after each section. This reflection will help you clarify the significance of your experiences and ensure that your essay resonates with the committee. Consider seeking feedback from peers or mentors to gain perspective.

Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of common mistakes:

• Avoid starting with generic statements or clichés.
• Do not exaggerate achievements or invent details; honesty is crucial.
• Steer clear of passive voice; ensure your writing is direct and engaging.
• Refrain from using jargon or overly complex language; clarity is key.