Crafting Your Essay for the Emil & Natalie Meyersfield 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 journey? Consider family influences, community, or significant life events.
• Achievements: Identify key accomplishments, both academic and extracurricular. Use metrics where possible—such as GPA, leadership roles, or community service hours—to quantify your impact.
• The Gap: What challenges have you faced that highlight your need for this scholarship? Be specific about how further study at Broward College will help you overcome these challenges.
• Personality: Share unique personal details that reveal your values and character. This could include hobbies, volunteer work, or a defining moment that reflects your determination.

Outlining Your Essay

Structure your essay clearly. A strong outline might include:

1. Introduction: Start with a vivid moment or scene that captures your journey.
2. Body Paragraphs: Dedicate each paragraph to a specific bucket. Use the STAR method to detail achievements and challenges.
3. Conclusion: Reflect on how the scholarship will impact your future and your commitment to contributing back to the community.

Drafting Voice and Style

Write in an active voice, focusing on your role in your achievements and experiences. Avoid clichés and vague statements. Instead of saying you are passionate, show your passion through specific examples. Aim for clarity and coherence, ensuring each paragraph transitions smoothly to the next.

Revision and the “So What?” Factor

After drafting, take a break before revising. Read your essay with fresh eyes, asking yourself, “So what?” after each major point. Ensure that every section reflects not only what you have done but also why it matters to your future and to the community. Seek feedback from mentors or peers to gain perspective.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of these common mistakes:

• Avoid starting with generic statements or clichés.
• Do not exaggerate or invent experiences; authenticity is key.
• Stay away from overly complex language; clarity should always come first.
• Ensure you adhere to any word limits or formatting requirements specified by the scholarship guidelines.