A strong recommendation letter can significantly boost a scholarship applicant’s chances. These letters provide valuable insights into an applicant’s character, work ethic, and potential for success, complementing academic transcripts and personal essays. A good letter goes beyond simply stating facts; it tells a story, providing specific examples of the applicant’s strengths and how they align with the scholarship’s criteria.
The following samples showcase different approaches and focus areas. Remember to tailor each letter to the specific scholarship and the applicant’s unique qualities. Before you begin, gather information from the applicant about their goals, accomplishments, and the scholarship’s requirements. This will help you write a more compelling and relevant letter.
When writing, strive for authenticity and sincerity. Avoid generic statements and focus on concrete examples that demonstrate the applicant’s skills and character. Highlight their potential to contribute to the field of study and make a positive impact on the world. A well-crafted letter can be the deciding factor in a scholarship application.
Sample Recommendation Letters for Scholarships
Sample Letter 1: Academic Excellence
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Institution]
[Your Email]
[Your Phone Number]
[Date]
Scholarship Committee
[Scholarship Name]
[Scholarship Address]
Dear Scholarship Committee,
It is with great pleasure that I recommend [Applicant Name] for the [Scholarship Name]. I have known [Applicant Name] for [Number] years as their [Your Role – e.g., professor, advisor] in [Subject/Department]. [He/She/They] consistently demonstrated exceptional academic abilities and a strong commitment to learning. For example, in my [Course Name] class, [he/she/they] earned the highest grade while also mentoring struggling students. [Applicant Name]’s intellectual curiosity and dedication make [him/her/them] an ideal candidate for this scholarship.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Sample Letter 2: Leadership Skills
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Institution]
[Your Email]
[Your Phone Number]
[Date]
Scholarship Committee
[Scholarship Name]
[Scholarship Address]
Dear Scholarship Committee,
I am writing to enthusiastically recommend [Applicant Name] for the [Scholarship Name]. As the [Your Title] at [Organization Name], I have witnessed [Applicant Name]’s outstanding leadership qualities firsthand. [He/She/They] served as [Applicant’s Role] and consistently exceeded expectations. For instance, [he/she/they] successfully led the [Project Name] project, resulting in [Quantifiable Result]. [Applicant Name]’s ability to motivate and inspire others makes [him/her/them] a valuable asset and a deserving recipient of this scholarship.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Sample Letter 3: Community Involvement
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Organization]
[Your Email]
[Your Phone Number]
[Date]
Scholarship Committee
[Scholarship Name]
[Scholarship Address]
Dear Scholarship Committee,
I wholeheartedly recommend [Applicant Name] for the [Scholarship Name]. I have had the pleasure of knowing [Applicant Name] through [Organization Name] where [he/she/they] has volunteered for [Number] years. [His/Her/Their] dedication to community service is truly remarkable. [He/She/They] consistently goes above and beyond to help others, as demonstrated by [Specific Example of their Community Involvement]. [Applicant Name]’s compassion and commitment to making a difference make [him/her/them] an excellent candidate for this scholarship.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Sample Letter 4: Overcoming Challenges
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Institution]
[Your Email]
[Your Phone Number]
[Date]
Scholarship Committee
[Scholarship Name]
[Scholarship Address]
Dear Scholarship Committee,
It is with admiration that I recommend [Applicant Name] for the [Scholarship Name]. I have been [Applicant Name]’s [Your Role – e.g., mentor, teacher] for [Number] years and have witnessed firsthand [his/her/their] resilience and determination in overcoming significant challenges. Despite [Brief Description of Challenge], [Applicant Name] persevered and excelled in [Area of Excellence]. [He/She/They] demonstrated remarkable strength and a commitment to [His/Her/Their] goals. [Applicant Name]’s ability to overcome adversity makes [him/her/them] a strong and deserving candidate for this scholarship.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Sample Letter 5: Specific Skill (e.g., Research)
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Institution]
[Your Email]
[Your Phone Number]
[Date]
Scholarship Committee
[Scholarship Name]
[Scholarship Address]
Dear Scholarship Committee,
I am pleased to recommend [Applicant Name] for the [Scholarship Name], particularly in light of [his/her/their] exceptional research skills. As [His/Her/Their] research advisor for the past [Number] years, I have been consistently impressed by [His/Her/Their] ability to [Specific Research Skill – e.g., design experiments, analyze data]. For example, [he/she/they] played a crucial role in [Project Name], contributing significantly to [Specific Contribution]. [Applicant Name]’s research acumen and dedication to scientific inquiry make [him/her/them] an excellent candidate for this scholarship.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Sample Letter 6: Creativity and Innovation
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Institution]
[Your Email]
[Your Phone Number]
[Date]
Scholarship Committee
[Scholarship Name]
[Scholarship Address]
Dear Scholarship Committee,
I highly recommend [Applicant Name] for the [Scholarship Name]. I’ve observed [Applicant Name]’s creative and innovative thinking as their [Your Role, e.g., art teacher, project supervisor]. [He/She/They] consistently approaches challenges with originality and a willingness to experiment. During [Project or Class], [he/she/they] developed [Innovative Solution or Project], which demonstrated [Specific Skill or Quality]. [Applicant Name]’s passion for innovation makes [him/her/them] a valuable asset to any academic community.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Sample Letter 7: Strong Work Ethic
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Institution]
[Your Email]
[Your Phone Number]
[Date]
Scholarship Committee
[Scholarship Name]
[Scholarship Address]
Dear Scholarship Committee,
It is without reservation that I recommend [Applicant Name] for the [Scholarship Name]. I have been [Applicant Name]’s [Your Role – e.g., employer, supervisor] at [Company/Organization] for [Number] years and have consistently been impressed by [his/her/their] strong work ethic. [He/She/They] is a dedicated and diligent individual who always goes the extra mile to complete tasks to the best of [his/her/their] ability. For instance, [He/She/They] consistently [Specific Example of Work Ethic – e.g., arrived early, stayed late, took on extra responsibilities]. [Applicant Name]’s commitment to excellence makes [him/her/them] an ideal candidate for this scholarship.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Sample Letter 8: Communication Skills
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Institution]
[Your Email]
[Your Phone Number]
[Date]
Scholarship Committee
[Scholarship Name]
[Scholarship Address]
Dear Scholarship Committee,
I am writing to enthusiastically recommend [Applicant Name] for the [Scholarship Name]. I have known [Applicant Name] as their [Your Role, e.g., debate coach, public speaking instructor]. [He/She/They] possesses exceptional communication skills, both written and verbal. [He/She/They] has the ability to articulate complex ideas clearly and persuasively. In [Specific Situation], [he/she/they] demonstrated [Specific Example of Communication Skills]. [Applicant Name]’s ability to connect with others and effectively convey ideas makes [him/her/them] a strong candidate for this scholarship.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Sample Letter 9: Adaptability
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Institution]
[Your Email]
[Your Phone Number]
[Date]
Scholarship Committee
[Scholarship Name]
[Scholarship Address]
Dear Scholarship Committee,
I am pleased to recommend [Applicant Name] for the [Scholarship Name]. I have observed [Applicant Name]’s remarkable adaptability during [Your Context – e.g., a challenging project, a period of organizational change]. [He/She/They] has consistently demonstrated the ability to quickly learn new skills and adjust to changing circumstances. For example, when [Specific Situation Requiring Adaptability], [he/she/they] successfully [Action Demonstrating Adaptability]. [Applicant Name]’s flexibility and resilience make [him/her/them] well-suited for the challenges of higher education and a strong candidate for this scholarship.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Sample Letter 10: Problem-Solving Skills
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Institution]
[Your Email]
[Your Phone Number]
[Date]
Scholarship Committee
[Scholarship Name]
[Scholarship Address]
Dear Scholarship Committee,
I highly recommend [Applicant Name] for the [Scholarship Name] due to [his/her/their] exceptional problem-solving abilities. As [His/Her/Their] [Your Role – e.g., instructor, supervisor], I have witnessed firsthand [his/her/their] ability to analyze complex issues and develop effective solutions. During [Specific Project or Situation], [he/she/they] encountered [Specific Problem] and successfully [Solution Implemented]. [Applicant Name]’s analytical skills and resourcefulness make [him/her/them] a valuable asset and a deserving recipient of this scholarship.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Sample Letter 11: Initiative and Self-Motivation
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Institution]
[Your Email]
[Your Phone Number]
[Date]
Scholarship Committee
[Scholarship Name]
[Scholarship Address]
Dear Scholarship Committee,
It is a pleasure to recommend [Applicant Name] for the [Scholarship Name]. I have consistently observed [Applicant Name]’s initiative and self-motivation as their [Your Relationship, e.g., coach, club advisor]. [He/She/They] consistently seeks out new challenges and takes ownership of [His/Her/Their] learning and development. For example, [he/she/they] independently [Specific Example of Initiative – e.g., organized a fundraising event, started a study group]. [Applicant Name]’s drive and proactive approach make [him/her/them] an excellent candidate for this scholarship.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Sample Letter 12: Passion for the Field
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Institution]
[Your Email]
[Your Phone Number]
[Date]
Scholarship Committee
[Scholarship Name]
[Scholarship Address]
Dear Scholarship Committee,
I am writing to enthusiastically recommend [Applicant Name] for the [Scholarship Name], particularly because of [his/her/their] evident passion for [Field of Study]. As [His/Her/Their] [Your Role – e.g., professor, mentor], I have been consistently impressed by [his/her/their] genuine interest and enthusiasm for the subject matter. [He/She/They] consistently goes beyond the required coursework to explore [Specific Area of Interest within the Field]. [Applicant Name]’s dedication and passion make [him/her/them] a promising candidate for future success in [Field of Study] and a deserving recipient of this scholarship.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Sample Letter 13: Teamwork and Collaboration
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Institution]
[Your Email]
[Your Phone Number]
[Date]
Scholarship Committee
[Scholarship Name]
[Scholarship Address]
Dear Scholarship Committee,
I highly recommend [Applicant Name] for the [Scholarship Name]. During my time as their [Your Role, e.g., group project facilitator, sports coach], I’ve witnessed [Applicant Name]’s exceptional teamwork and collaboration skills. [He/She/They] consistently contributes positively to group efforts and demonstrates a willingness to support and encourage [His/Her/Their] peers. During [Specific Project or Activity], [he/she/they] played a key role in [Specific Contribution to the Team]. [Applicant Name]’s collaborative spirit makes [him/her/them] a valuable asset to any team or academic setting.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Sample Letter 14: Potential for Future Success
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Institution]
[Your Email]
[Your Phone Number]
[Date]
Scholarship Committee
[Scholarship Name]
[Scholarship Address]
Dear Scholarship Committee,
I am writing to strongly recommend [Applicant Name] for the [Scholarship Name]. Based on my observations as [His/Her/Their] [Your Role – e.g., mentor, advisor], I am confident that [Applicant Name] possesses the qualities necessary to achieve significant success in [His/Her/Their] chosen field. [He/She/They] has demonstrated [Specific Qualities – e.g., intellectual curiosity, leadership potential, dedication to learning] that are essential for future success. [Specific Example Illustrating Potential]. [Applicant Name]’s dedication, skills, and ambition make [him/her/them] an outstanding candidate for this scholarship, and I am certain that [he/she/they] will make a significant contribution to [Field of Study] in the future.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Conclusion
These sample recommendation letters provide a starting point for crafting compelling endorsements for scholarship applicants. Remember to personalize each letter with specific details about the applicant and the scholarship’s requirements. A well-written letter can significantly increase an applicant’s chances of receiving funding and achieving their academic goals. Focus on highlighting the applicant’s strengths, character, and potential to contribute to their field of study. Good luck!