Crafting Your Essay for the Arthur and Bertha Lezar Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

Organize your thoughts into four key areas:

• Background: Reflect on your upbringing, educational journey, and any significant experiences that have shaped your perspective. Consider how these elements inform your academic and career aspirations.
• Achievements: List your accomplishments, both academic and extracurricular. Use specific metrics or outcomes to illustrate your impact, such as leadership roles, projects completed, or community service hours.
• The Gap: Identify what you currently lack in terms of skills or knowledge that further study will address. Explain why attending Broward College is essential for your growth and future contributions.
• Personality: Highlight personal traits and values that define you. Share anecdotes that reveal your character and illustrate why you are a deserving candidate.

Structuring Your Essay

Begin with a compelling opening that draws the reader in. Use a specific moment or experience to set the stage for your narrative. Each paragraph should focus on one main idea, progressing logically from your background to your achievements, addressing the gap, and culminating in your personality and aspirations.

Drafting Voice and Style

Write in an active voice, emphasizing your role in your achievements and experiences. Avoid clichés and generalities; instead, provide concrete details and insights. Reflect on what you learned from each experience and why it matters. This reflection will enhance the depth of your essay.

Revision and “So What?”

After drafting, take a step back and review your essay for clarity and coherence. Ensure that each section answers the “So what?” question—why does this matter? Seek feedback from peers or mentors to gain different perspectives and refine your message.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Avoid vague language and unsupported claims. Steer clear of clichés and generic statements that do not add value to your essay. Ensure that all facts and experiences are authentic and verifiable. Lastly, keep your tone confident and reflective, steering clear of boastfulness.