How to Craft Your Essay for the HPD Dean's Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

To create a compelling narrative, gather material across these four key areas:

• Background: Reflect on your personal history. What events or influences have shaped your educational path? Consider family, community, and significant experiences.
• Achievements: Identify your key accomplishments. Include metrics or outcomes that showcase your responsibilities and the impact of your actions. This could be academic achievements, leadership roles, or community service.
• The Gap: Acknowledge what you currently lack in your education or experience. Explain why further study at Nova Southeastern University is essential for you to bridge this gap.
• Personality: Infuse your essay with humanizing details. What values drive you? What unique perspectives do you bring? Specific anecdotes can make your narrative more relatable.

Outline Your Essay Structure

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

1. Introduction: Start with a specific moment or experience that sets the stage for your story.
2. Background: Discuss your formative experiences and how they led you to your current educational pursuits.
3. Achievements: Highlight significant accomplishments and their impact.
4. The Gap: Clearly articulate your educational needs and how the scholarship will help you meet them.
5. Conclusion: Reflect on what you’ve learned and your commitment to making a difference in your field.

Drafting Voice and Style

When drafting, use an active voice and focus on clarity. Avoid clichés and vague statements. Instead of saying you are passionate, demonstrate this through specific examples and outcomes. Ensure each paragraph focuses on a single idea and transitions logically to the next.

Revision & “So What?”

After drafting, revisit your essay with a critical eye. Ask yourself: What changed in me, and why does it matter? Ensure that every section of your essay answers this question. Seek feedback from peers or mentors to refine your narrative further.

Pitfalls to Avoid

As you write, be mindful of common pitfalls:

• Avoid starting with generic statements or clichés.
• Steer clear of vague language; provide specific examples and metrics.
• Do not invent facts or embellish experiences; authenticity is crucial.
• Ensure your essay has a clear focus and logical flow.