Deans Student Success Scholarship Essay Guide

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

To create a well-rounded essay, gather material from the following four buckets:

• Background: Reflect on your personal history, including experiences that have shaped your educational journey. Consider family influences, challenges you’ve faced, and key moments that have driven you to pursue higher education.
• Achievements: List your academic and extracurricular accomplishments. Quantify your achievements where possible—include metrics like GPA, leadership roles, community service hours, or projects that had a measurable impact.
• The Gap: Identify what you feel is missing in your current education or experience and articulate why further study at Broward College is essential for your growth. This could relate to skills you wish to acquire or experiences you want to gain.
• Personality: Share personal anecdotes that reveal your values, passions, and motivations. This is your opportunity to humanize your application and make a memorable impression.

Outline Your Essay

Organize your thoughts into a coherent structure. A suggested outline might include:

1. Introduction: Start with a compelling in-scene moment or anecdote that draws the reader in.
2. Background: Provide context about your life and experiences.
3. Achievements: Highlight key accomplishments and their significance.
4. The Gap: Discuss what you seek to gain from Broward College.
5. Personality: Conclude with reflections on your values and future aspirations.

Drafting Voice and Style

When drafting, use an active voice and specific language. Avoid jargon and clichés. Instead of stating your passion for education, illustrate it through a story or example. Ensure each paragraph focuses on a single idea, leading logically to the next. This will help maintain clarity and keep the reader engaged.

Revision and “So What?”

After completing your draft, take a step back and review it critically. Ask yourself, “So what?” for each section. What insights are you providing? How do your experiences connect to your future goals? Ensure your essay reflects your growth and commitment to making an impact. Consider seeking feedback from peers or mentors to gain an outside perspective.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of these common mistakes:

• Avoid starting with generic statements or clichés.
• Steer clear of vague language; be specific about your achievements and aspirations.
• Do not fabricate experiences or outcomes; authenticity is crucial.
• Ensure your essay flows logically, with clear transitions between ideas.