How to Write an Essay for the Elmer Rasmuson Endowed Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

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

• Background: What experiences have shaped your educational path? Consider family influences, community involvement, or personal challenges.
• Achievements: Identify specific accomplishments, such as grades, leadership roles, or community service. Use metrics or outcomes to demonstrate your impact.
• The Gap: Reflect on what you lack in your current education and how the scholarship will help you bridge that gap. Be specific about your goals and how Broward College fits into them.
• Personality: Share personal anecdotes that reveal your values and character. This could include challenges you’ve overcome or moments that defined your commitment to your education.

Creating an Outline

Once you have gathered material, create a structured outline. Start with an engaging introduction that draws the reader in with a specific moment or scene from your life. Follow with paragraphs that each focus on one of the four buckets, ensuring a logical flow from one idea to the next. Conclude with a strong closing that reiterates your commitment to your educational goals and the impact of the scholarship.

Drafting Voice and Style

As you draft your essay, use an active voice to convey your experiences and aspirations. Avoid abstract nouns and bureaucratic language; instead, focus on clear, direct sentences. Each paragraph should center on a single idea, with transitions that guide the reader through your narrative. Remember to reflect on your experiences and explain why they matter—answer the “So what?” question in each section.

Revision and “So What?”

After completing your draft, take a break before revising. This distance will help you view your work with fresh eyes. Look for areas where you can enhance clarity and specificity. Ensure that each section contributes to a coherent narrative about your journey and aspirations. Ask yourself if your essay effectively communicates your motivations and the potential impact of receiving the scholarship.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of common pitfalls that can weaken your essay. Avoid clichéd openings and vague expressions of passion without evidence. Steer clear of passive voice and bureaucratic phrasing. Lastly, do not invent facts or embellish your experiences; authenticity is crucial in scholarship essays.