A strong scholarship recommendation letter can significantly increase a student’s chances of receiving financial aid. It provides a valuable, third-party perspective on the applicant’s academic abilities, character, and potential. These letters often highlight qualities and accomplishments that might not be fully evident in the student’s application alone. The key is to showcase the student’s unique strengths and explain why they deserve the scholarship.
When writing a scholarship recommendation letter, it’s crucial to be specific and provide concrete examples. Avoid generic statements and instead focus on instances where the student demonstrated exceptional skills, leadership, or dedication. Think about specific projects, assignments, or extracurricular activities where the student excelled. Quantifiable achievements, such as improved grades or successful initiatives, add credibility to your claims. Remember to tailor the letter to the specific scholarship criteria, highlighting how the student meets the requirements.
Before you start writing, gather information from the student. Ask for their resume, transcripts, and a personal statement outlining their goals and aspirations. This will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of their background and motivations. It also allows you to align your letter with their overall narrative. Request details about the specific scholarship they’re applying for and the qualities the selection committee is seeking. The more information you have, the more effective your recommendation will be.
Ensure the letter is well-structured, professional in tone, and free of grammatical errors. Start with a strong opening statement that clearly identifies the student and your relationship to them. Provide a concise overview of their key strengths and qualifications. Conclude with a confident recommendation and an offer to provide further information if needed. Always proofread carefully before submitting the letter.
Sample Scholarship Recommendation Letters
[Date]
Scholarship Committee
[Scholarship Organization]
Dear Scholarship Committee,
It is with great pleasure that I recommend [Student’s Name] for the [Scholarship Name] scholarship. I have known [Student’s Name] for the past three years as their [Your Role] at [School Name]. [Student’s Name] is an exceptional student, consistently earning top marks in my [Subject] class.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Date]
Scholarship Committee
[Scholarship Organization]
Dear Scholarship Committee,
I am writing to enthusiastically recommend [Student’s Name] for the [Scholarship Name] scholarship. As the advisor for the [School Club/Organization], I have witnessed [Student’s Name]’s outstanding leadership skills firsthand. [He/She] consistently motivates and inspires their peers.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Date]
Scholarship Committee
[Scholarship Organization]
Dear Scholarship Committee,
I am delighted to recommend [Student’s Name] for the [Scholarship Name] scholarship. Despite facing significant challenges, [Student’s Name] has demonstrated remarkable resilience and determination. [He/She] has maintained a strong academic record while working part-time to support their family.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Date]
Scholarship Committee
[Scholarship Organization]
Dear Scholarship Committee,
I wholeheartedly recommend [Student’s Name] for the [Scholarship Name] scholarship. [Student’s Name] is deeply committed to serving their community. They have volunteered countless hours at [Organization Name], making a tangible difference in the lives of others.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Date]
Scholarship Committee
[Scholarship Organization]
Dear Scholarship Committee,
It is without reservation that I recommend [Student’s Name] for the [Scholarship Name] scholarship. As [Student’s Name]’s [Your Role], I have been consistently impressed by their exceptional [Specific Skill – e.g., analytical] skills. [He/She] demonstrated this particularly well in [Specific Project/Assignment].
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Date]
Scholarship Committee
[Scholarship Organization]
Dear Scholarship Committee,
I am pleased to recommend [Student’s Name] for the [Scholarship Name] scholarship. [Student’s Name] possesses a strong work ethic, intellectual curiosity, and a genuine desire to make a positive impact on the world. I am confident that [he/she] has the potential to excel in their chosen field.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Date]
Scholarship Committee
[Scholarship Organization]
Dear Scholarship Committee,
I am writing to support the application of [Student’s Name] for the [Scholarship Name] scholarship. I was particularly impressed by [Student’s Name]’s work on [Project Name], where [he/she] [describe their contributions and the positive impact of the project].
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Date]
Scholarship Committee
[Scholarship Organization]
Dear Scholarship Committee,
I am happy to recommend [Student’s Name] for the [Scholarship Name] scholarship. [Student’s Name] consistently demonstrates initiative and a strong drive to learn. [He/She] goes above and beyond expectations and is always eager to take on new challenges.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Date]
Scholarship Committee
[Scholarship Organization]
Dear Scholarship Committee,
I am pleased to recommend [Student’s Name] for the [Scholarship Name] scholarship. [Student’s Name] has a consistently positive attitude. [He/She] brightens the classroom and inspires other students to persevere through challenging times.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Date]
Scholarship Committee
[Scholarship Organization]
Dear Scholarship Committee,
It is with pleasure that I recommend [Student’s Name] for the [Scholarship Name] scholarship. [Student’s Name] demonstrates great problem-solving skills. [He/She] is adept at analyzing problems with a creative and inventive approach.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Date]
Scholarship Committee
[Scholarship Organization]
Dear Scholarship Committee,
I am writing to wholeheartedly recommend [Student’s Name] for the [Scholarship Name] scholarship. As [Your Role] I was impressed with [Student’s Name]’s excellent communication skills, which were especially clear in our [Project/Situation]. Their confidence and ability to interact with diverse people make them a good candidate.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Date]
Scholarship Committee
[Scholarship Organization]
Dear Scholarship Committee,
I recommend [Student’s Name] with great enthusiasm for the [Scholarship Name] scholarship. Having watched [Student’s Name] pursue [His/Her/Their] academic career, I am consistently impressed by dedication and perseverance. It’s been so rewarding watching [Him/Her/Their] thrive and become such a success through their commitment.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Date]
Scholarship Committee
[Scholarship Organization]
Dear Scholarship Committee,
It is my pleasure to recommend [Student’s Name] for the [Scholarship Name] scholarship. [Student’s Name] is a very successful student and is a diligent and dependable student. I am confident that with a [Scholarship Name] scholarship, [Student’s Name] will be even more successful in college and beyond.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
In conclusion, writing an effective scholarship recommendation letter involves showcasing the student’s unique qualities, providing specific examples, and tailoring the letter to the scholarship criteria. By using these samples and guidelines, you can craft a compelling recommendation that helps the student achieve their educational goals. Remember to be honest, enthusiastic, and focused on highlighting the student’s potential.