A scholarship recommendation letter is a crucial part of a student’s application, as it provides an opportunity for others to vouch for the applicant’s qualifications, character, and potential. Whether you’re a teacher, mentor, coach, or employer, writing a scholarship recommendation letter is an essential task that can greatly influence the success of an application. Crafting a compelling and effective letter requires more than just basic details—it’s about highlighting the strengths that make the applicant stand out.
In this article, we’ll break down how to write a thoughtful and impactful scholarship recommendation letter that can help the student shine in their application.
1. Understand the Purpose of the Letter
The first step in writing a scholarship recommendation letter is understanding its purpose. The goal is to support the student’s application by emphasizing their academic achievements, personal qualities, and potential to succeed in the scholarship program. Scholarship committees are looking for candidates who not only have the required qualifications but also demonstrate leadership, dedication, and a strong sense of responsibility.
A well-crafted letter helps the student stand out in a competitive field by providing a clear, credible, and personal perspective on their abilities.
2. Gather Necessary Information
Before writing the letter, it’s essential to gather relevant information from the applicant. This ensures that your letter will be both accurate and detailed.
Key information to request from the student includes:
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A copy of their resume or academic achievements: This will give you a clear picture of their qualifications, extracurricular activities, and accomplishments.
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Details of the scholarship: Understand the scholarship’s goals and criteria, as this will help you tailor your letter to meet the specific needs of the selection committee.
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Personal insights: Ask the student about their goals, motivations, and any specific challenges they’ve faced, so you can provide a more personalized and in-depth recommendation.
By gathering this information, you can write a letter that not only reflects the student’s achievements but also aligns with the scholarship’s objectives.
3. Start with a Strong Opening
The opening paragraph of the recommendation letter should clearly introduce who you are, how you know the student, and the length of your relationship. It’s important to establish your credibility and connection to the student right away.
For example:
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“I am honored to recommend Jane Doe for the ABC Scholarship. As her high school English teacher for the past two years, I have had the privilege of witnessing her growth both academically and personally.”
This opening establishes the relationship and gives the reader context for the rest of the letter.
4. Highlight the Applicant’s Strengths and Achievements
The core of the recommendation letter should focus on the student’s strengths and accomplishments. Use specific examples to demonstrate why the student is a strong candidate for the scholarship. Highlight areas such as:
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Academic Performance: Discuss the student’s work ethic, intellectual curiosity, and accomplishments in their field of study. Mention any particular achievements, such as high grades, honors, or notable projects.
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Leadership and Initiative: If the student has taken on leadership roles, be sure to highlight these. Whether it’s serving as president of a club, organizing an event, or leading a community project, leadership experience is highly valued by scholarship committees.
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Character and Work Ethic: Talk about the student’s integrity, responsibility, and commitment. Are they dependable? Do they show perseverance in difficult situations? Personal qualities like determination, honesty, and empathy can set the student apart.
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Community Involvement: If the student is involved in volunteer work or community service, this can be an excellent way to demonstrate their commitment to making a difference in the world.
For example:
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“Jane is not only an exceptional student but also an active member of our school’s community. She spearheaded a fundraising campaign that raised over $5,000 for local families in need, demonstrating both leadership and compassion.”
5. Tailor the Letter to the Scholarship
To make your letter as effective as possible, tailor it to the specific scholarship for which the student is applying. Different scholarships may focus on various qualities—such as academic excellence, leadership, or community service. By aligning your letter with the scholarship’s objectives, you’ll provide a more compelling case for why the student is the perfect fit.
For instance, if the scholarship is aimed at students pursuing a career in healthcare, highlight the student’s interest and dedication to the field. If it’s a leadership-based scholarship, emphasize the student’s leadership qualities and accomplishments.
6. Conclude with a Strong Endorsement
In the conclusion of your letter, restate your strong recommendation for the student and express your confidence in their potential to succeed. Be clear about why you believe they deserve the scholarship.
For example:
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“I have no doubt that Jane will continue to excel in her academic pursuits and contribute positively to her community. I wholeheartedly recommend her for the ABC Scholarship and am confident that she will make the most of this opportunity.”
7. Keep the Tone Positive, Professional, and Honest
While it’s important to highlight the student’s strengths, it’s equally important to be honest. Avoid exaggerating or making claims that aren’t supported by your experiences with the student. A genuine, sincere letter will resonate more than one that feels overly polished or exaggerated.
Maintain a professional tone throughout the letter, and ensure that it’s free of any spelling or grammatical errors. A well-written letter reflects your professionalism and the respect you have for the student.
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