Writing a scholarship recommendation letter can significantly impact a student’s future. It’s more than just a formality; it’s an opportunity to showcase their potential and suitability for the scholarship. A strong letter highlights not only academic achievements but also character, leadership skills, and the potential for future contributions. This article provides a comprehensive guide with 24+ sample letters and templates to help you write impactful and persuasive recommendations.
Before diving into the samples, remember the key elements of a successful recommendation letter. It should start with a clear introduction of yourself and your relationship to the applicant. The body should provide specific examples of the applicant’s strengths, skills, and achievements. Quantifiable results and anecdotes are far more convincing than general statements. Finally, conclude with a strong endorsement and reiterate why the applicant is deserving of the scholarship.
Below are several sample letters and templates that can be adapted to various situations and scholarship types. Remember to tailor each letter to the specific scholarship criteria and the applicant’s unique qualities. These samples cover different academic levels, fields of study, and types of achievements. Always ensure your language is professional and enthusiastic. Remember the more personalized you make the letter, the stronger impact it will have on the scholarship committee.
These examples are meant to serve as guides, not rigid formulas. Use them as inspiration to craft unique and compelling letters that truly represent the applicant’s potential. Consider highlighting experiences beyond academics, such as volunteer work, extracurricular activities, and personal challenges overcome. These details paint a complete picture of the student and demonstrate their well-rounded nature.
Scholarship Recommendation Letter Samples:
Sample 1: General Academic Excellence
[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 [Student’s Name] for the [Scholarship Name] scholarship. I have had the pleasure of being [Student’s Name]’s [Your Role – e.g., Professor] in [Course Name] at [Institution Name] for the past [Duration]. [Student’s Name] consistently demonstrated exceptional academic abilities and a strong work ethic. In my class, [He/She] consistently earned top marks, actively participated in discussions, and demonstrated a deep understanding of the subject matter. [He/She] also went above and beyond by [Specific Example, e.g., completing extra credit assignments, assisting classmates].
Beyond academics, [Student’s Name] is a highly motivated and dedicated individual. [He/She] is actively involved in [Extracurricular Activity/Volunteer Work], demonstrating a commitment to [Related Value, e.g., community service, leadership]. I am confident that [Student’s Name] possesses the intellectual ability, determination, and character to succeed in [His/Her] academic pursuits and beyond. I highly recommend [him/her] for this scholarship.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 2: Leadership Skills
[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 [Student’s Name] for the [Scholarship Name] scholarship. I have known [Student’s Name] for [Duration] as [Your Role – e.g., Advisor to the Debate Club] at [Institution Name]. [He/She] has consistently impressed me with [his/her] leadership qualities and dedication to [Organization/Activity]. As [His/Her] [Specific Role in Organization, e.g., President], [he/she] demonstrated exceptional organizational skills, the ability to motivate others, and a commitment to achieving common goals.
[Provide a specific example of their leadership. E.g., “Under [His/Her] leadership, the Debate Club increased its membership by 50% and won the regional championship.”] [Student’s Name]’s leadership extends beyond [Organization/Activity]. [He/She] is also actively involved in [Another Activity] where [he/she] demonstrates [Another Leadership Quality]. I am confident that [Student’s Name] will be a valuable asset to your program.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 3: Overcoming Challenges
[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 [Student’s Name] for the [Scholarship Name] scholarship. I have had the privilege of knowing [Student’s Name] as [Your Role – e.g., School Counselor] at [Institution Name] for [Duration]. [Student’s Name] has shown remarkable resilience and determination in overcoming significant challenges. Despite facing [Brief Description of Challenge – be mindful of privacy], [he/she] has consistently maintained a positive attitude and a strong commitment to [his/her] education.
[Provide a specific example of how they overcame the challenge and continued to succeed. E.g., “Despite working part-time to support [his/her] family, [he/she] consistently earned high marks in all [his/her] classes.”]. [Student’s Name]’s perseverance and dedication are truly inspiring. I am confident that [he/she] will continue to excel in [his/her] academic pursuits and make a significant contribution to your program.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 4: Specific Field of Study (e.g., Engineering)
[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 [Student’s Name] for the [Scholarship Name] scholarship. I have known [Student’s Name] for the past [Duration] as [Your Role – e.g., Professor of Civil Engineering] at [Institution Name]. [He/She] is an exceptionally bright and motivated student with a strong passion for engineering. In my [Course Name] class, [Student’s Name] consistently demonstrated a deep understanding of complex engineering principles and a remarkable ability to apply these concepts to solve real-world problems. For example, [he/she] [Specific project or assignment, e.g., designed a highly efficient bridge structure that exceeded all project requirements].
[Student’s Name]’s enthusiasm for engineering extends beyond the classroom. [He/She] is actively involved in [Engineering Club/Project] and is eager to contribute to the field through [His/Her] research interests in [Specific Area of Engineering]. I am confident that [Student’s Name] has the potential to become a leading engineer and make significant contributions to society.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 5: Specific Field of Study (e.g., Nursing)
[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 [Student’s Name] for the [Scholarship Name], aimed at supporting aspiring nurses. I have had the distinct pleasure of knowing [Student’s Name] as [Your Role – e.g., Clinical Instructor] in the Nursing program at [Institution Name] for the past [Duration]. From my observations, [Student’s Name] possesses the core qualities – empathy, dedication, and a strong aptitude for critical thinking – that are essential for a successful career in nursing. During [his/her] clinical rotations at [Hospital Name/Clinic Name], I was particularly impressed by [his/her] ability to [Specific Skill – e.g., quickly assess patient needs and develop effective care plans]. One specific instance where [Student’s Name] demonstrated exemplary care was when [Detailed situation showcasing compassion and skill, e.g., calmly comforted a distressed patient and advocated for their pain management].
Beyond technical skills, [Student’s Name] consistently demonstrates a genuine concern for patient well-being. [He/She] is a proactive learner, always seeking opportunities to expand [his/her] knowledge and improve [his/her] patient care techniques. I am confident that [Student’s Name] will be an outstanding addition to the nursing profession.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 6: For a Student with Financial Need
[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 support the application of [Student’s Name] for the [Scholarship Name] scholarship. I have been [Student’s Name]’s [Your Role – e.g., Advisor/Mentor] at [Institution Name] for [Duration] and have been consistently impressed by [his/her] dedication to [his/her] education despite significant financial challenges. [Student’s Name] comes from a background where affording higher education is a considerable struggle. [He/She] works [Number] hours per week at [Job] to contribute to [his/her] tuition and living expenses, yet maintains a strong academic record. For example, despite the added stress, [he/she] achieved a [GPA] GPA in [Semester/Year].
[Student’s Name]’s commitment to [his/her] studies is truly admirable. This scholarship would significantly alleviate the financial burden [he/she] faces, allowing [him/her] to focus more on [his/her] academic pursuits and less on financial worries. I believe that with your support, [Student’s Name] will be able to reach [his/her] full potential and make a meaningful contribution to society.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 7: Emphasis on Research Potential
[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 enthusiasm that I recommend [Student’s Name] for the [Scholarship Name]. As [Your Role – e.g., Research Professor] at [Institution Name], I have had the pleasure of working closely with [Student’s Name] on a research project focused on [Research Topic] for the past [Duration]. [He/She] possesses a rare combination of intellectual curiosity, analytical skills, and dedication to scientific inquiry. [Student’s Name] has consistently exceeded expectations in [his/her] role, demonstrating a strong understanding of [Specific Research Methodologies/Concepts] and a remarkable ability to [Specific Research Task – e.g., analyze complex datasets, design experiments]. For instance, [He/She] played a key role in [Significant Contribution to the research, e.g., developing a novel algorithm that significantly improved the accuracy of our data analysis].
[Student’s Name]’s research potential is exceptional. [He/She] is highly motivated, resourceful, and eager to learn. I am confident that with the support of this scholarship, [he/she] will make significant contributions to the field of [Field of Study] and become a successful researcher.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 8: For a Student Pursuing a Career in Education
[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 [Student’s Name] for the [Scholarship Name], specifically aimed at supporting future educators. I have had the privilege of knowing [Student’s Name] as [Your Role – e.g., Supervising Teacher/Professor of Education] at [Institution Name] for the past [Duration]. [He/She] possesses the qualities essential to becoming an exceptional educator: patience, empathy, a passion for learning, and a genuine commitment to the success of [his/her] students. During [His/Her] student teaching experience at [School Name], I observed firsthand [his/her] ability to [Specific Teaching Skill – e.g., create engaging lesson plans that cater to diverse learning styles]. [He/She] has a natural talent for [Teaching Skill – e.g., building rapport with students and fostering a positive learning environment]. In one instance, [He/She] [Specific Example of impactful teaching, e.g., helped a struggling student overcome their difficulties in math by providing personalized support and encouragement].
[Student’s Name]’s dedication to education is unwavering. I am confident that [he/she] will be a transformative teacher who makes a positive impact on the lives of [his/her] students. This scholarship would enable [him/her] to focus on [his/her] training and development, ultimately benefiting the students [he/she] will serve.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 9: STEM Field (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math)
[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 [Student’s Name] for the [Scholarship Name]. I have had [Student’s Name] in my [Course Name] class, at [Institution Name], for the past [Duration]. [He/She] is a highly driven and exceptional student, with a strong passion for [Specific STEM field, e.g., Computer Science]. I have been incredibly impressed by [His/Her] work ethic and ability to solve complex issues. As an example, [Student’s Name] was able to [Specific technical skill, e.g., write efficient code to process data in my course, that allowed us to run our processing 3x faster than previous years].
I believe that [Student’s Name] has the skillset and the drive to be a leading individual in the field of STEM. It would be an incredible honor to have your scholarship supporting such a passionate student. I strongly recommend them for your consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 10: Creative Arts Scholarship (e.g., Music, Art, Writing)
[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 [Student’s Name] for the [Scholarship Name]. I have known [Student’s Name] for [Duration] as [Your Role, e.g., his/her Music Theory Professor] at [Institution Name]. [He/She] is an extremely talented and imaginative [Creative discipline, e.g., musician] with a truly unique voice. I have been consistently amazed by [His/Her] artistic abilities and dedication. One project that stood out was when [Student’s Name] [Specific Project and result, e.g., composed a beautifully moving piano concerto that was performed by the school orchestra].
[Student’s Name] has the potential to make a significant contribution to the arts. They are a hardworking and dedicated student and I can not think of a more deserving recipient for this scholarship.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 11: Athletic Scholarship Recommendation
[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 [Student’s Name] for the [Scholarship Name]. I have been [Student’s Name]’s coach on the [Sport name] team at [Institution Name] for [Duration]. [He/She] is an exceptional athlete with unwavering dedication and potential. [He/She] has shown considerable hard work, commitment, and athleticism for the time that they have been on the team. An example of their performance can be seen from [Specific game/achievement, e.g., scoring the winning goal in the championship game].
I am confident that [Student’s Name] would be a key and valuable player for your program. Beyond their athleticism, [He/She] is also a wonderful person. I have been honored to be their coach. I recommend [Him/Her] to your scholarship program without any hesitation.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 12: Community Service Focus
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Institution]
[Your Email]
[Your Phone Number]
[Date]
Scholarship Committee
[Scholarship Name]
[Scholarship Address]
Dear Scholarship Committee,
I am honored to recommend [Student’s Name] for the [Scholarship Name]. I know [Student’s Name] through [Your Role, e.g., leading the Community Center in town] for the past [Duration]. [He/She] is an incredibly selfless and empathetic person, who dedicated a significant amount of time to helping others. I have watched them consistently go above and beyond in their volunteer roles. I am incredibly impressed with their contribution. As an example, they [Describe the community service/achievement with specific details].
I believe that [Student’s Name] would make the world a better place through their kind heart and work ethic. They have my highest recommendation and I believe that this scholarship is perfect for them.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 13: For a Student with a Non-Traditional Background
[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 [Student’s Name] for the [Scholarship Name]. I have had the privilege of knowing [Student’s Name] as [Your Role, e.g., their academic advisor] at [Institution Name] for the past [Duration]. [Student’s Name] possesses a unique perspective and determination, shaped by [his/her] non-traditional path to higher education. [He/She] returned to school after [briefly describe their previous experiences, e.g., several years in the workforce], bringing a wealth of life experience and a strong sense of purpose to their studies. Despite the challenges of juggling [mention specific responsibilities, e.g., family commitments and work obligations], [he/she] consistently excels academically. I have witnessed their ability to [mention specific skills they gained from their experiences, e.g., manage their time effectively, work collaboratively in teams, and approach problems with a practical mindset]
[Student’s Name]’s background has instilled in [him/her] a deep appreciation for education and a strong commitment to making a difference in the world. I am confident that with the support of this scholarship, [he/she] will leverage their unique skills and experiences to achieve their academic and professional goals and become a valuable asset to your program.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 14: Leadership within Student Government
[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 [Student’s Name] for the [Scholarship Name]. I have had the pleasure of working with [Student’s Name] as the [Your Role, e.g., Faculty Advisor] to the Student Government at [Institution Name] for the past [Duration]. [He/She] has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership skills and a strong commitment to serving the student body. As [His/Her] role as [His/Her position in Student Government, e.g., President], [He/She] has been instrumental in [List of achievements while in this position, e.g., implementing new student support programs, organizing campus-wide events, and advocating for student needs with the administration]. For example, [Provide a specific anecdote about their leadership skills].
[Student’s Name]’s dedication and effectiveness as a leader within the Student Government make [him/her] an excellent candidate for this scholarship. I am confident that [he/she] will continue to excel in [his/her] academic pursuits and make a significant contribution to your program.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 15: Focused on Critical Thinking Skills
[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 [Student’s Name] for the [Scholarship Name]. I was their [Your Role – e.g., Debate Coach, Instructor] at [Institution Name]. I have had [Student’s Name] in [Course Name], where critical thinking skills are paramount, and [He/She] excelled. [Student’s Name] possesses an exceptional ability to analyze complex information, identify underlying assumptions, and form well-reasoned arguments. [He/She] is an active learner and demonstrates critical thinking skills both inside and outside of the classroom environment. As an example, in [situation], [Student’s Name] was able to show critical thinking skills by [result, e.g., solve a problem that was hindering the team’s progress].
[Student’s Name] truly shines as someone with excellent critical thinking and problem-solving skills. I have no doubt that they are a great candidate and I highly recommend them for your scholarship consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 16: Specific Project-Based Learning Recommendation
[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 recommend [Student’s Name] for the [Scholarship Name]. I have had the opportunity to work with [Student’s Name] for the past [Duration] as their instructor at [Institution Name]. I taught a [Course Name] which was project based. [Student’s Name] showed high performance and skills with this project. [He/She] was able to perform above the expected performance level. I watched [Him/Her] in particular, to be a leader in their group, with skills such as [Skill, e.g., delegation, planning, and communication]. An example would be when [He/She] was able to [Accomplishment with data, e.g., finish the project in 2 weeks when most student takes 4].
I highly recommend [Student’s Name] for this scholarship and truly believe that they have a great skillset to achieve more great things.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 17: Demonstrating a 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 with great pleasure that I recommend [Student’s Name] for the [Scholarship Name]. I have had the pleasure of knowing [Student’s Name] for [Duration] as [Your Role, e.g., a teaching assistant, professor] at [Institution Name]. [He/She] possesses an exceptional work ethic that sets [him/her] apart from [his/her] peers. [He/She] is consistently prepared for class, actively participates in discussions, and goes above and beyond to master the material. Even when faced with obstacles in understanding concepts, [He/She] has consistently showed dedication and asked clarifying questions until concepts are understood. For example, [Provide specific example where this dedication was shown].
[Student’s Name]’s exceptional work ethic will ensure their continued success in higher education. It is with no doubt that I recommend [Him/Her] for your scholarship and I believe they are a wonderful fit.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 18: Strong 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 [Student’s Name] for the [Scholarship Name]. I have known [Student’s Name] for [Duration] in my role as [Your Role, e.g. public speaking instructor, communications professor] at [Institution Name]. [He/She] has consistently demonstrated exceptional communication skills, both written and oral. [Student’s Name] possesses a unique ability to articulate complex ideas clearly and persuasively. They show strong communication inside and outside of the classroom, and has an ability to speak to individuals from different backgrounds with ease. They are highly charismatic and easily influence and inspire their listeners. As an example, [Provide a detailed story showcasing their strength].
These exceptional communication skills will serve [Student’s Name] in future endeavors and I believe their talent is a strong fit for this program. I highly recommend [Him/Her] for this scholarship and truly believe that they have a bright future ahead.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 19: Student With Exceptional Initiative
[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 [Student’s Name] for the [Scholarship Name]. As [Your Role, e.g., department chair, mentor] at [Institution Name], I have observed [Student’s Name]’s exceptional initiative