A scholarship letter of recommendation is a letter created by someone typically in a position of authority, like a professor, that can attest to a student’s abilities. The letters follow flexible guidelines demonstrating why students deserve the scholarship they wish to receive.
Writing a strong recommendation letter for a scholarship applicant is crucial to showcasing their academic excellence, personal qualities, and potentials. A recommendation letter is not only a reflection of the student’s academic achievements but also a testament to their character, resilience, and dedication.
It offers invaluable insights into their abilities and highlights the impact they can make within their chosen field of study.A positive letter of recommendation will be able to validate a student’s qualifications to receive a scholarship and help that student stand out.
Here’s a step to step guide on on how to write a good recommendation letter for scholarship applicants:
Before you begin writing your recommendation letter, ensure you consider the following:
Review the scholarship requirements:
Before you start writing, make sure you understand the scholarship’s eligibility requirements and selection criteria. This will help you tailor your letter to highlight the applicant’s most relevant qualities and achievements.
Gather Information about the Applicants:
Collect relevant information about the student. Talk to the applicant to learn about their academic background, extracurricular activities, and any challenges they have overcome. You can also review their resume, transcript, or other relevant documents.
Prepare an outline for your letter:
This will help you organize your thoughts and ensure you include all the necessary information.
Things You Must Include In Your Recommendation Letter:
Letterhead:
The upper left corner of the recommendation letter should include the following information as a standard practice for recommenders;
- Date
- Full name
- Title
- Institution name
- Official address
- City, state, and zip code
- Preferred contact information
Introduction:
The introduction should include a brief overview of the student, specify the scholarship they are applying for, and provide details about the student’s background and the nature of your relationship with them.
Overview:
The body of the scholarship letter of recommendation should explain the student’s strong points and how they meet the scholarship’s requirements. Including numbers, like test scores and grades, will make the student’s application more impressive. A student’s accomplishments show that they are hardworking and determined.
Once you’ve established that the student is a fitting candidate for the scholarship, delve into specific examples that substantiate your claims. Mention any extracurricular activities the student participates in and whether they hold leadership positions in school clubs or organizations.
Conclusion:
In the concluding paragraph, it is essential to include a strong approval of the student, emphasizing your confidence in their abilities and restating your wholehearted recommendation.
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10 Most Effective Ways to Write Letter of Recommendation for Scholarships
1. Start Strong:
Open the letter with a strong introduction, stating your name and your connection to the student. Emphasize your qualifications and experience that make you a credible source to speak about the student’s abilities and character.
2. Highlight Your Academic Achievements:
Showcase the student’s academic excellence by citing specific accomplishments, such as outstanding grades, rigorous coursework, or academic accolades. Utilize quantifiable data, such as test scores or GPA, to bolster your endorsement of their academic abilities.
3. Showcase Personal Qualities:
Illustrate the student’s personal qualities by highlighting their leadership skills, teamwork abilities, problem-solving aptitudes, and other exceptional characteristics that make them a standout candidate.
This goes beyond academic achievements and provides a more comprehensive view of the student’s strengths
4. Provide Specific Incidents:
Instead of simply listing the applicant’s strengths, offer vivid incidents or specific instances that demonstrate their qualities. These real-life examples add depth and credibility to your recommendation and provide a more tangible understanding of the student’s abilities.
5. Connect to Scholarship Goals:
Describe how the applicant’s ambitions and objectives are in line with the scholarship’s mission and goals. Demonstrate how the scholarship will contribute to their personal and professional growth and development.
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ONGOING SCHOLARSHIPS
6. Use Strong Action Verbs:
Use strong action verbs throughout your letter to convey the student’s accomplishments and qualities. Active language will make your recommendation more engaging and impactful.
7. Proofread and Edit Thoroughly:Â
 Please ensure that your letter is free of grammatical errors, typos, and inconsistencies. A well-polished letter reflects professionalism and enhances the overall impact of your recommendation.
8. Keep your Letter Short and Straight to the Point:
Try to keep your letter to approximately one page in length. Be discerning with your examples and avoid including unnecessary details that may detract from the main message of your recommendation
It offers detailed information on available scholarships and supports applicants throughout the application process.
9. Tailor Your Letter to the Scholarship(Very Necessary):
Carefully review the scholarship’s eligibility criteria and selection process to tailor your letter accordingly. Highlight the applicant’s achievements and attributes that align with the scholarship’s values and goals. This will help to demonstrate the applicant’s suitability for the scholarship.
10. Conclude with a Strong Statement:
End with a strong statement emphasizing your endorsement of the student and reiterating your recommendation. Convey your confidence in their ability to make a positive impact and contribute meaningfully to the scholarship program. This will leave a lasting impression and reinforce your support for the applicant.
Sample of a Recommendation Letter
April 19, 2023
Adeyemi Lamidi
Teacher, Brightfield High School
51 Long Street
Brightfield, 90210
To The Mastercard Scholarship Committee:
I am writing this letter to recommend Francesca Stevens for the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship. I was her Social Studies and History teacher and have closely followed her academic progress during the past three years.
Francesca is a dedicated and passionate student who has consistently maintained a high academic record with an A grade average at Orita High School. I highly recommend her for your college as she has the commitment and love for learning necessary to succeed.
Francesca is an exceptional young writer with a remarkable history paper on the Spanish Renaissance. I am familiar with her academic commitment, talent, and educational goals, as well as the financial challenges she faces in funding her college tuition. I wholeheartedly support her application and believe she is incredibly deserving.
I feel certain that you will be just as impressed with Francesca as I am. As an educator who is committed to helping deserving students succeed, I strongly encourage you to consider her for the Mastercard Scholarship. Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions that you may have, and let me know if I can provide any additional information in support of this deserving student. You may reach me at adeyemil@school.com.
Regards,
(Signature)
Adeyemi Lamidi
Note:
A scholarship recommendation letter should fill an entire page with the proper formatting and be approximately 300-500 words and no more than two pages. When the letter is lengthy and relevant, it will favor the candidate. Note that three-page letters are generally too long, and very short letters leave students at an unfortunate disadvantage.
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