How to Write Your Essay for the Emma Barrientos Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

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

• Background: Reflect on your personal history, including experiences that have shaped your educational journey. Consider challenges you have faced and how they have influenced your decision to pursue further education.
• Achievements: Identify significant accomplishments in your academic and extracurricular activities. Use metrics and specific examples to highlight your responsibilities and the results of your efforts.
• The Gap: Consider what skills or knowledge you currently lack that further study will help you acquire. Explain how the scholarship will bridge this gap and enhance your future opportunities.
• 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.

Outlining Your Essay

Once you have gathered material from the four buckets, create an outline to organize your essay. Start with an engaging introduction that draws the reader in with a specific moment or story. Follow with sections that clearly delineate your background, achievements, the gap you aim to fill, and your personality. Ensure each section transitions smoothly to maintain a logical flow.

Drafting with Purpose

As you draft your essay, focus on clarity and specificity. Avoid vague statements and instead provide concrete examples that illustrate your points. Use active voice to keep your writing engaging and direct. Remember to reflect on your experiences and explain why they matter. Each paragraph should center on a single idea, reinforcing your overall narrative.

Revision and the “So What?” Factor

After completing your draft, take a step back and review your work critically. Ask yourself, “So what?” for each section. Does your essay clearly demonstrate why you deserve this scholarship? Look for opportunities to deepen your reflections and clarify your intentions. Consider sharing your essay with a trusted mentor or peer for feedback.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of common mistakes that can undermine your essay:

• Avoid clichés and generic statements that do not add value to your narrative.
• Steer clear of passive voice; always highlight your active role in your achievements.
• Do not invent facts or embellish your experiences; authenticity is crucial.
• Ensure your essay adheres to any specified word limits or formatting guidelines.