How to Write Your Essay for the Brevard County Links Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

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

• Background: Consider significant life experiences that have shaped who you are today. What challenges have you faced, and how have they influenced your educational and career aspirations?
• Achievements: Identify key accomplishments in your academic and extracurricular activities. Use specific metrics, such as grades, leadership roles, or community service hours, to illustrate your impact.
• The Gap: Reflect on what you lack in your current education and how attending Eastern Florida State College will help bridge that gap. Be specific about your goals and how this scholarship will assist you in achieving them.
• Personality: Share details that showcase your character and values. What motivates you? What unique perspectives do you bring to the table?

Creating an Outline

Once you have gathered your material, create an outline for your essay. Start with an engaging introduction that presents a compelling moment or story from your life. Follow this with sections that address each of the four buckets, ensuring you connect each point back to the scholarship's mission. Conclude with a strong closing that reiterates your commitment to your education and community.

Drafting Voice and Style

As you draft your essay, maintain an active voice and focus on clarity. Avoid clichés and vague statements; instead, use specific examples and concrete details. Each paragraph should contain one main idea, with clear transitions that guide the reader through your narrative. Remember to reflect on your experiences and articulate why they matter.

Revision and “So What?”

After drafting, take a break before revising. Read your essay with fresh eyes, looking for areas where you can enhance clarity and impact. Ask yourself, “So what?” for each section—ensure you are not just stating facts but also reflecting on their significance and how they relate to your future goals.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Avoid common pitfalls such as:

• Using generic phrases or clichés that do not add value.
• Neglecting to proofread for grammatical errors or typos.
• Failing to connect your experiences to the scholarship’s mission.
• Writing in a passive voice, which can diminish the impact of your achievements.