How to Craft Your Essay for the CPS Energy-OCI Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

Structure your brainstorming around four key areas that will help you develop a comprehensive narrative:

• Background: Reflect on your personal and educational journey. Consider experiences that shaped your interest in renewable energy and your decision to pursue studies in this field.
• Achievements: Identify specific accomplishments related to your education or community involvement. Quantify your achievements where possible (e.g., projects completed, leadership roles held, or initiatives led).
• The Gap: Acknowledge what you currently lack in terms of knowledge or skills that further study will help you acquire. Explain how this scholarship will bridge that gap.
• Personality: Infuse your essay with personal anecdotes that showcase your values, motivations, and commitment to making a difference in renewable energy.

Creating an Outline

Once you have gathered your thoughts, create a structured outline. This will help organize your ideas logically. Consider the following structure:

1. Introduction: Start with a compelling moment or scene that draws the reader in. Avoid generic statements.
2. Background: Discuss your journey and how it led you to pursue renewable energy.
3. Achievements: Highlight key accomplishments and their impact.
4. The Gap: Clearly articulate what you hope to gain from your studies and this scholarship.
5. Personality: Share personal stories that reflect your commitment to the field.
6. Conclusion: Reinforce your goals and the importance of the scholarship in achieving them.

Drafting Voice and Style

As you draft your essay, maintain an active voice and focus on specificity. Use concrete details to illustrate your points. Instead of stating your passion for renewable energy, provide examples of how you have engaged with the topic. Remember to reflect on what you learned from your experiences and why they matter.

Revision and the “So What?” Factor

After drafting, take a step back and revise your essay. Ensure each section answers the question, “So what?” This means reflecting on the significance of your experiences and how they connect to your future in renewable energy. Ask peers or mentors for feedback to gain different perspectives.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Stay clear of clichés and vague statements. Avoid starting with phrases like “From a young age” or “I have always been passionate about.” Ensure all details in your essay are authentic and verifiable. Focus on your unique narrative rather than generic themes.