How to Write Your Essay for the AME Church Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

To create a compelling essay, gather material across these four categories:

• Background: Reflect on your upbringing and experiences within the African Methodist Episcopal Church or your community. What values were instilled in you? How have these shaped your identity and goals?
• Achievements: Identify key accomplishments that demonstrate your leadership, commitment to service, or academic success. Use specific metrics or outcomes to highlight your impact, such as volunteer hours, projects initiated, or roles held.
• The Gap: Consider what you seek to achieve through further education. What skills or knowledge do you hope to gain? Be specific about how this scholarship will help bridge the gap between your current situation and your future aspirations.
• Personality: Infuse your essay with personal anecdotes that reveal your character. What motivates you? What challenges have you overcome? Use these details to create a relatable and memorable narrative.

Outline Your Essay Structure

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

1. Introduction: Start with a vivid scene or moment that encapsulates your journey or commitment to service.
2. Body Paragraphs: Dedicate sections to each of the four buckets. Ensure each paragraph has a clear focus and transitions smoothly to the next.
3. Conclusion: Reflect on your journey and articulate your vision for the future. Emphasize how the scholarship will enable you to make a greater impact.

Drafting Voice and Style

When drafting, maintain an active voice and focus on clarity. Avoid jargon and overly complex sentences. Each paragraph should convey a single idea, supported by specific examples. Remember to connect your experiences back to the scholarship's mission, demonstrating how your goals align with the values of the AME Church.

Revision and the “So What?” Factor

After completing your first draft, take a step back and assess your work. Ask yourself, “So what?” for each section. Does your essay convey the significance of your experiences? Are your achievements clearly articulated? Seek feedback from trusted mentors or peers, and revise accordingly to enhance clarity and impact.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Avoid clichés and vague statements. Instead of saying you are “passionate about helping others,” provide concrete examples of your service. Steer clear of passive voice and bureaucratic language. Lastly, ensure that all facts and experiences are truthful and accurately represent your journey.