How to Write a Compelling Essay for the Chevron Phillips Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

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

• Background: Reflect on experiences that have shaped your interest in electrical technology. Consider family influences, educational experiences, or personal projects.
• Achievements: List specific accomplishments related to your studies or extracurricular activities. Use metrics where possible, such as projects completed, leadership roles held, or skills acquired.
• The Gap: Identify what you currently lack in your education or experience that this scholarship could help you address. Be honest about your aspirations and how further study will bridge this gap.
• Personality: Include details that humanize you. What values drive you? What unique perspectives do you bring to the field of electrical technology?

Outline Your Essay

Structure your essay with a clear outline. Start with an engaging introduction that draws the reader in with a specific moment or anecdote related to your journey in electrical technology. Follow with body paragraphs that delve into each of the four buckets, ensuring that each paragraph has a single focus and flows logically to the next.

Drafting Voice and Style

Write in an active voice, emphasizing your role in your achievements and experiences. Avoid clichés and vague statements. Instead of saying you are passionate about electrical technology, demonstrate that passion through specific examples and outcomes. Each paragraph should reflect your growth and insights, answering the question of “So what?” for the reader.

Revision & “So What?”

After completing your first draft, take a break before revising. Look for areas where you can enhance clarity and specificity. Ensure each section contributes to a cohesive narrative about your journey and aspirations. Ask yourself what insights you gained from your experiences and how they will shape your future contributions to the field.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of the following pitfalls:

• Starting with generic statements or clichés that do not engage the reader.
• Failing to provide specific examples or metrics that illustrate your achievements.
• Neglecting to connect your past experiences with your future goals in electrical technology.
• Using passive voice or overly complex language that obscures your message.