How to Craft Your Essay for the Todd Stolfa Endowed Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

To structure your essay effectively, consider the four material buckets: background, achievements, gap, and personality.

• Background: Reflect on your life experiences that have shaped who you are today. Consider family influences, community involvement, or significant challenges you’ve faced.
• Achievements: Identify key accomplishments that demonstrate your skills and commitment. Use specific metrics or outcomes to highlight your contributions, such as projects completed, leadership roles held, or initiatives started.
• The Gap: Assess what you currently lack in your education or experience that this scholarship will help you address. Be honest about your goals and how further study at Broward College will bridge that gap.
• Personality: Infuse your essay with personal details that reveal your values, interests, and motivations. This humanizing aspect can make your application memorable.

Creating an Outline

Once you have gathered your material, create an outline to organize your thoughts. Structure your essay with a clear introduction, body paragraphs for each bucket, and a conclusion. Each section should flow logically into the next, providing a cohesive narrative that supports your overall message.

Drafting Voice and Style

When drafting your essay, aim for an active voice that engages the reader. Start with a concrete moment or scene that draws the committee in rather than a generic introduction. Throughout your essay, reflect on your experiences and articulate why they matter. Avoid clichés and ensure every statement is backed by specific examples.

Revision and the “So What?” Factor

After completing your draft, take a step back and review your work critically. Ask yourself, “So what?” for each major point. Ensure that your reflections provide insight into your character and future aspirations. Revise for clarity, coherence, and impact, focusing on making each paragraph serve a purpose in your overall narrative.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

As you prepare your essay, be mindful of common mistakes. Avoid vague statements and superlatives that lack evidence. Stay away from passive voice and bureaucratic language that can dilute your message. Lastly, ensure that all facts and experiences are authentic and verifiable.