How to Write Your Essay for the Mary Edelstein Memorial Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

Gather material to inform your essay by exploring these four key areas:

• Background: What experiences have shaped your educational journey? Think about family influences, community involvement, or significant life events.
• Achievements: Identify key accomplishments in your academic and extracurricular pursuits. Use metrics or specific outcomes to highlight your responsibilities and successes.
• The Gap: Consider what you currently lack in your education and how this scholarship will help you bridge that gap. Be specific about your educational goals and how Broward College fits into them.
• Personality: Share humanizing details that reveal your values and character. Think about moments that reflect your resilience, commitment, or passion for your field of study.

Creating an Outline

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

1. Introduction: Start with a vivid scene or moment that captures your journey. Avoid generic statements.
2. Body Paragraphs: Dedicate each paragraph to one of the four buckets, ensuring each section transitions logically to the next. Use the STAR method to detail specific achievements and challenges.
3. Conclusion: Reflect on what you’ve learned and how you plan to apply this scholarship to make an impact. Reinforce the significance of your experiences and aspirations.

Drafting Voice and Style

As you draft your essay, maintain an active voice and be specific in your language. Use concrete details and avoid vague statements. Each paragraph should focus on one main idea, clearly demonstrating how your experiences relate to the scholarship's purpose. Remember to reflect on the significance of your experiences—answer the question, “So what?” in each section.

Revision and Reflection

After drafting, take a break before revising. This will help you view your essay with fresh eyes. Look for clarity, coherence, and conciseness. Ensure that each section contributes to a unified narrative about your journey and aspirations. Seek feedback from peers or mentors to gain different perspectives and refine your essay further.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of these common mistakes:

• Avoid cliché openers and filler phrases. Start with a strong, engaging moment instead.
• Steer clear of vague language or empty expressions of passion without evidence.
• Do not use passive voice; focus on your actions and contributions.
• Ensure all facts and experiences shared are truthful and verifiable. Do not invent details or embellish your narrative.