How to Craft Your Essay for the LyondellBasell Scholars Program

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

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

• Background: Reflect on your personal history. What experiences have shaped your educational journey? Consider family influences, challenges overcome, and formative moments that sparked your interest in your field of study.
• Achievements: List significant accomplishments, both academic and extracurricular. Quantify your successes where possible—mention awards, leadership roles, or projects that had measurable impacts. This will demonstrate your capability and commitment.
• The Gap: Identify what you currently lack in your educational journey and why further study is essential. Be specific about how this scholarship will help bridge that gap and enable you to achieve your goals.
• Personality: Infuse your essay with personal anecdotes that reveal your values and character. What motivates you? What are your passions? Use vivid details to paint a picture of who you are beyond your achievements.

Outline Your Essay

Creating a structured outline will help you organize your thoughts and ensure a logical flow. Consider the following structure:

1. Introduction: Start with a concrete moment or scene that captures your reader's attention. This could be an experience that sparked your interest in your field or a challenge you faced.
2. Body Paragraphs: Dedicate each paragraph to one of the four buckets. Use the STAR method to describe specific situations, tasks, actions, and results related to your achievements and background.
3. Conclusion: Reflect on how the scholarship will impact your future. Answer the “So what?” question by connecting your past experiences and aspirations to the broader impact you hope to achieve with your education.

Drafting Voice and Style

As you draft your essay, maintain an active voice and use specific language. Avoid bureaucratic phrasing and clichés. Instead of saying you are “passionate about” a subject, demonstrate that passion through your actions and experiences. Each paragraph should focus on one idea, leading smoothly into the next to create a cohesive narrative.

Revision and “So What?”

After drafting, take a break before revising. When you return, read your essay critically. Ask yourself if each section answers the prompt and contributes to your overall narrative. Ensure that your reflections on experiences clearly articulate their significance and relevance to your future goals. This is your opportunity to clarify why your story matters.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of these common mistakes:

• Avoid vague statements and empty superlatives. Instead, provide specific examples that illustrate your points.
• Steer clear of clichés and generic openers. Start with a unique moment that draws the reader in.
• Do not invent facts or embellish your experiences. Authenticity is crucial in building trust with the committee.