How to Craft Your Essay for the Broward UP Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

Gather your thoughts by organizing them into four key areas:

• Background: What experiences have shaped your educational journey? Consider family influences, personal challenges, or community involvement.
• Achievements: Highlight specific accomplishments, such as awards, leadership roles, or projects. Use metrics where possible, like GPA, volunteer hours, or project outcomes.
• The Gap: Identify what you feel is lacking in your current education and how this scholarship will help bridge that gap. Be specific about your goals and aspirations.
• Personality: Include details that showcase your values, interests, and motivations. This could be a particular moment that inspired you or a lesson learned from a challenge.

Outline Your Essay

Creating an outline will help you structure your essay effectively. Consider the following format:

1. Introduction: Start with a vivid moment or scene that encapsulates your journey.
2. Body Paragraphs: Dedicate each paragraph to one of the four buckets. Ensure each section answers “So what?” by reflecting on the significance of your experiences and how they relate to your future goals.
3. Conclusion: Reinforce your commitment to your education and community, and how the scholarship will enable you to make a larger impact.

Drafting Voice and Style

When drafting, use an active voice and focus on clarity. Avoid jargon and overly complex sentences. Each paragraph should convey one main idea, leading logically to the next. Be honest and specific in your reflections, and ensure your personality shines through.

Revision and “So What?”

After completing your first draft, take a break before revising. Look for areas where you can deepen your reflections. Ask yourself: Does each section answer “So what?” about your experiences? Ensure that your essay flows well and maintains a coherent narrative throughout.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of the following mistakes:

• Avoid clichés and generic statements that do not add value to your narrative.
• Do not fabricate experiences or achievements; authenticity is crucial.
• Steer clear of passive voice and vague language. Be direct and specific about your actions and their impacts.