How to Craft Your Essay for the AT&T Endowed Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

To create a strong essay, gather material across four key areas:

• Background: Reflect on your personal history. What experiences have shaped you as a student and individual? Consider family influences, community involvement, or pivotal moments.
• Achievements: Identify specific accomplishments that demonstrate your skills and commitment. Use metrics where possible—such as leadership roles, projects completed, or awards received—to quantify your impact.
• The Gap: Acknowledge what you currently lack and how further education at Broward College will help you bridge that gap. Be honest about your challenges and articulate your educational goals.
• Personality: Infuse your essay with details that showcase who you are as a person. What values drive you? What unique perspectives do you bring? Specific anecdotes can help humanize your narrative.

Outlining Your Essay

With your materials gathered, create an outline that organizes your thoughts logically. Start with an engaging introduction that draws the reader in. Each body paragraph should focus on one idea, transitioning smoothly to the next. Conclude by tying your experiences back to the scholarship's purpose and your future goals.

Drafting Voice and Style

As you draft, aim for an active voice that clearly conveys your actions and intentions. Avoid bureaucratic language; instead, use straightforward, impactful sentences. Open with a specific moment or experience that illustrates your journey, and ensure each paragraph reflects on what you learned and why it matters.

Revision and Reflecting on “So What?”

After completing your draft, take a step back and revise with a critical eye. Ask yourself, “So what?” for each major section. What insights have you gained? How do these experiences prepare you for your future? Ensure that your essay not only tells your story but also connects to the scholarship’s objectives.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

As you finalize your essay, be mindful of common mistakes:

• Avoid clichés and overused phrases. Start with a unique moment or insight.
• Steer clear of vague statements about passion; instead, provide concrete examples.
• Do not use passive voice when you can express your actions actively.
• Ensure all details are honest and verifiable; do not embellish your experiences.