How to Craft Your Essay for the Hulmes Memorial Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

Organize your thoughts into four material buckets to ensure a well-rounded essay:

• Background: Reflect on your life experiences that have shaped you. Consider significant moments, challenges, or influences that have defined your educational journey.
• Achievements: List your accomplishments, both academic and extracurricular. Quantify these achievements where possible—include specific metrics or outcomes that demonstrate your capabilities.
• The Gap: Identify what you currently lack that this scholarship will help you address. Discuss how further education at Broward College will help bridge this gap and contribute to your goals.
• Personality: Share personal anecdotes or values that highlight your character. This could include your passions, motivations, or how you engage with your community.

Outlining Your Essay

Create a clear outline based on your brainstorming. Each section of your essay should correspond to one of the four buckets. Start with a compelling introduction that draws the reader in with a specific moment or insight. Follow with body paragraphs that elaborate on each bucket, ensuring each paragraph has a clear focus and transitions smoothly to the next.

Drafting Voice and Structure

When drafting, use an active voice and concrete language. Avoid vague statements and clichés. Each paragraph should focus on a single idea and contribute to the overall narrative. Use the STAR method to structure your achievements and experiences: describe the Situation, Task, Action, and Result. This will add clarity and impact to your narrative.

Revision & “So What?”

After completing your draft, take a step back and review it critically. Ask yourself, “So what?” for each section. Ensure that your reflections on experiences connect to your future goals and the scholarship's purpose. Refine your language for clarity and impact, and check for grammatical errors or awkward phrasing.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of common mistakes that can detract from your essay:

• Avoid starting with clichés or generic statements. Instead, engage the reader with a unique moment or insight.
• Do not exaggerate or fabricate experiences. Authenticity is crucial in scholarship essays.
• Steer clear of overly complex language or jargon. Clarity should always take precedence over sophistication.