How to Write a Compelling Essay for the Marie Harrington and Ann Powell Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Material Buckets

Organize your thoughts by exploring four key areas: Background, Achievements, The Gap, and Personality.

• Background: What experiences have shaped your educational journey? Consider family, community, or personal challenges that have influenced your path.
• Achievements: Identify significant accomplishments in your academic or extracurricular life. Use metrics and specific outcomes to quantify your impact, such as leadership roles, projects completed, or awards received.
• The Gap: Reflect on what you currently lack in your educational journey. How does this scholarship help bridge that gap? Be specific about how further study at Broward College will enable you to achieve your goals.
• Personality: Share humanizing details that reveal your values and character. What makes you unique? This could include personal anecdotes or insights that illustrate your commitment to your field of study.

Creating an Outline

Once you have gathered material, create a structured outline. Start with an engaging opening that draws the reader in. Each section of your essay should focus on one of the four material buckets, ensuring logical progression and coherence. Consider using the STAR method to frame your achievements and experiences, providing a clear narrative of your journey.

Drafting Voice and Style

As you draft, maintain an active voice and clear, concise language. Begin with a specific moment or scene that illustrates your background or achievements, avoiding clichés. Each paragraph should focus on a single idea, and transitions should guide the reader through your narrative. Reflect on your experiences and articulate what you learned and how it shaped your future aspirations.

Revision & “So What?”

After drafting, take a step back and review your essay. Ensure that each section answers the question “So what?”—reflect on the significance of your experiences and how they connect to your goals. Seek feedback from peers or mentors, and be open to constructive criticism. Revise for clarity, coherence, and impact, ensuring your unique voice shines through.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of common mistakes that can undermine your essay. Avoid vague statements and superlatives that lack evidence. Steer clear of passive voice and bureaucratic language. Lastly, do not fabricate facts or embellish your experiences; authenticity is key in making a genuine connection with the scholarship committee.