Attention all scholarship applicants, do you know what it takes to secure a glowing recommendation letter? The answer lies in the words and insights of your mentors, professors, or employers who can vouch for your academic prowess and exceptional character traits. Crafting an effective letter of recommendation scholarship is not just about putting in a good word; it requires careful deliberation and thoughtful considerations. In this blog post, we’ll share tips and tricks on how to write a compelling recommendation letter that can help you clinch a coveted scholarship.
Let’s Start!
What is a Letter of Recommendation for Scholarship? Why is it important?
A letter of recommendation for scholarship is an important component of applying for scholarships. It is mainly written by professors or an authority in academia who can verify the applicant’s qualities and skills which can help the applicant stand out among the large number of applicants and increase their chances of receiving a scholarship.
Questions You Should Answer Before Writing a Scholarship Recommendation Letter
What is the professional relationship between the recommender and the applicant who is applying for the scholarship?
Establish the relationship between the recommender and the applicant and how long they have known each other for, in the Introduction section.
What are the applicant's qualifications and characteristics?
Explain briefly about the applicant’s qualifications, personality traits and abilities.
Can you support your claims about the applicant's abilities through specific examples?
Provide examples which shows the applicants abilities in order to make them worthy of a scholarship
What makes the applicant qualify for a scholarship?
Provide a brief description of the applicant’s qualifications for this particular scholarship, as viewed by the recommender.
What do Admissions Officers Look for in a Recommendation Letter for Scholarship?
Admissions officers are always looking for letters of recommendation that will help bolster an applicant’s application. When crafting your scholarship recommendation letter, it is important to be personal and to highlight what you think makes the applicant unique. It is also important to strike a balance between providing objective information and highlighting your professional relationship with the applicant.
| Law School Recommendation Letter | Character Reference Letter | Sorority Recommendation Letter |
| Harvard Recommendation Lettrer | Fulbright Recommendation Letter | Letter of Recommendation for Scholarship |
How Long Your Scholarship Letter of Recommendation Should Be?
Word Limit | 300 - 500 words |
Font Size | 10 - 13 is recommended |
Font color | Black |
Font Family | Use standard fonts like Calibri, Ariel, Times New Roman, Georgia, etc. |
Example of Recommendation Letter for Scholarship
To whomever it may concern,
I am delighted to recommend -XYZ(name)- for the -XYZ- Scholarship to the Masters program in -XYZ- at your esteemed university. In my capacity as -XYZ- in the Department of -XYZ- at -XYZ- University, -XYZ-, I have taught -XYZ- for four years during his/her undergraduate studies. As I recall, he/she was very dedicated and enthusiastic in the class to learning and sharing his/her creative ideas that were out of the box and I can attest to his/her intelligence and capability.
During his tenure at the university, I found -XYZ- to be an outstanding student who was goal-oriented. He/she consistently achieved the highest marks and always expressed a passionate interest in the subject of -XYZ-. His/her approach to problem solving was creative as he/she managed to find innovative solutions even in challenging situations. He/she displayed excellent analytical skills and research abilities through which this individual sought out multiple sources of information when conducting complex analyses. I am confident that his/her thirst for knowledge, determination, and values infuse unique qualities into the classroom experience thus making it more meaningful for everyone involved.
I have known him to be a passionate advocate for social justice with several initiatives that he ran in collaboration with our volunteer team. He was tasked with running an environmental awareness program within the university premises. Additionally, he and I collaborated on several projects that helped create awareness about environmental issues among students. His enthusiasm is evident everywhere – whether it’s class assignments or any extra-curricular activity he participates in – his dedication gives me hope that he can surpass himself if given the right resources and platform.
To conclude, -XYZ- is resilient, diligent, and has an excellent capacity for learning various materials quickly, making him/her a strong candidate for a scholarship in the master’s program in -XYZ- at your esteemed institution. Upon admission to your university’s Masters Program in XYZ-, I am confident he will prove to be an outstanding student who is determined and committed to achieving success through hard work. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely
Name of the Recommender
Designation of the Recommender
Recommender’s EMail ID
Contact Number of the Recommender
Guidelines for Using Sample Letter of Recommendation for Scholarship
- Read the LOR Sample thoroughly
- How does the recommender portrays the applicant for the scholarship
- How different is each paragraph in the Sample based on the specific materials
- How the recommender tries to introduce themselves and how they establish the professional relationship they have with the applicant in the sample
- Check the grammar and vocabulary
- Check the format and structure of the LOR Sample
Write your Scholarship Recommendation Letter in 6 steps
Get to know the student:
Before getting started, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the applicant. What are their strengths? Are they interested in a specific field of study? Know as much about the applicant as possible so your letter will be well-informed and convincing.
Consider the personality of the student:
Just like with anything else related to writing, crafting an effective scholarship recommendation letter requires taking into account the personality of the applicant. In order to garner favor with scholarship committees, letters should demonstrate that the writer really knows their recipient well.
Define the applicant's qualifications and abilities:
Briefly describe the applicant’s qualifications and abilities accordingly with evidence from the recommender’s point of designation.
Structure the letter according to guidelines:
The main points of focus usually include summarizing why the applicant deserves scholarship funds, highlighting any extracurricular activities or achievements that the applicant may have had, and showing that the applicant is ideal for scholarship.
Conclusion:
Summarize all the points made in the letter so far by supporting the applicant and giving them the recommender’s approval for the applicant’s enrollment in the course through the scholarship.
Include the letter of recommendation with the rest of the applicant’s scholarship materials.
Who Is Eligible to Write LORs?
Professors, Employers and people who are associated with the applicant are mainly eligible to write a Scholarship Letter of Recommendation.
Final Checklist for LORs
To ensure that your letter of recommendation is as strong as possible, follow these steps:
- Did I provide the address?
- Have I established the relationship between the recommender and applicant?
- Are there any key details that make the applicant worthy of a scholarship?
- Is my recommendation letter in accordance with the University's guidelines?
- Have I followed the format correctly?
Do's and Don't in Your LOR
Do:
- Be personal and meaningful.
- Match the letter to the specific applicant.
- Use clear, concise language.
- Be respectful and complimentary.
Don't:
- Don’t go overboard
- Focusing exclusively on an individual’s weaknesses can come across as unhelpful or negative. Instead, share general observations about their work ethic and creativity that reflect well on them as scholars.
- Try to avoid false information
Tips for Writing Letter of Recommendation for Scholarships
When writing a recommendation letter for scholarship keep these tips in mind:
- Try to begin with a formal meeting.
- Briefly explain the applicant's strengths through specific instances.
- Try to provide qualities that make the applicant a perfect fit for the scholarship they are applying to.
- Don't focus on an applicant's grades or test scores, but rather on their intellectual ability and potential.
- End the LOR by approving the applicant's enrollment and thanking the admission committee.
Conclusion
After reading this blog, I hope you have received a good foundation on which to start drafting your scholarship recommendation letter. Follow the tips provided and use the writing guide as a reference when crafting your letter. This will give you a stronger recommendation, which will increase your chances of receiving financial aid you will need to attend your desired institution.
