How to Write Your Essay for the Balfour Beatty LLC Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

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

• Background: Reflect on your personal history and experiences that have shaped your educational path. Consider family influences, community involvement, or challenges you've faced.
• Achievements: Identify specific accomplishments in your academic or extracurricular activities. Use metrics or outcomes to quantify your impact, such as grades, leadership roles, or community service hours.
• The Gap: Acknowledge what you currently lack in your education. Explain why further study at Broward College is essential for bridging this gap and how the scholarship will facilitate this process.
• Personality: Infuse your essay with personal details that highlight your values, interests, and unique qualities. This could include hobbies, volunteer work, or pivotal moments that define who you are.

Creating an Outline

Structure your essay to ensure clarity and logical flow. A suggested outline includes:

1. Introduction: Start with a specific moment or scene that captures your journey. Avoid generic statements.
2. Body Paragraphs: Dedicate one paragraph to each of the four buckets. Ensure each section ties back to the scholarship prompt and reflects on how your experiences shape your future goals.
3. Conclusion: Summarize your key points and reflect on the broader implications of receiving the scholarship. Highlight your commitment to making a positive impact in your field.

Drafting Voice and Style

When drafting your essay, maintain an active voice and focus on specific actions. Use vivid language to describe your experiences and the lessons learned. Each paragraph should convey a single idea, with transitions that guide the reader through your narrative. Remember to reflect on the significance of each experience—answer the “So what?” to emphasize the relevance of your journey.

Revision and “So What?”

After drafting, take time to revise. Look for clarity, coherence, and conciseness. Ensure that each paragraph contributes to your overall message. Ask yourself what insights you gained from your experiences and how they prepare you for future challenges. This reflection will deepen the essay's impact.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of these common mistakes:

• Avoid clichés and generic statements that do not add value to your narrative.
• Steer clear of vague expressions of passion; instead, provide concrete examples that illustrate your commitment.
• Do not use passive voice when an active subject exists; this weakens your writing.
• Ensure that all facts and experiences are authentic and verifiable.