Do you need to write a letter of recommendation for your scholarship application and you do not know what it is and how to go about it? This article will not just explain what a scholarship letter of recommendation is. It will also show you a step-by-step process for writing a letter of recommendation alongside free samples that can guide you to write yours.
In this article, you will find:
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What a scholarship letter of recommendation is and who can write it?
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The difference between a scholarship letter of recommendation and a scholarship motivation letter.
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The purpose of a scholarship letter of recommendation
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What should be in a scholarship letter of recommendation?
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Scholarship Letter of Recommendation Template
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What should be included in your scholarship letter of recommendation?
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Tips to write a winning scholarship recommendation letter.
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What does a scholarship committee look for in a Scholarship Letter of Recommendation?
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Samples of recommendation letters that can guide you to write yours.
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FAQs
What is a scholarship letter of recommendation?
A scholarship letter of recommendation is a letter written by a person of authority such as a trusted advisor, mentor or teacher on behalf of a student seeking a scholarship in an institution. The purpose of the scholarship recommendation letter is to highlight the skills, abilities and prior achievements of the student which qualify him/her for the scholarship program.
Scholarship Motivation Letter vs. Scholarship Letter of Recommendation
Some scholarship applications require both a scholarship motivation letter and a letter of recommendation. And in some cases, candidates can not exactly differentiate between the both to identify how they stand out. Here are the major differences between a scholarship motivation letter and a scholarship letter of recommendation.
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S/N |
Scholarship Motivation Letter |
Scholarship Letter of Recommendation |
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1 |
Written by the applicant himself. |
Written by a teacher, mentor or advisor. |
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2 |
The goal is to explain why you are applying for the scholarship. |
The goal is to explain the abilities and skills of the applicant that make him stand out. |
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3 |
Can be up to 1000 words. |
Should not be up to 1000 words. |
The purpose of a scholarship letter of recommendation
The primary purpose of a scholarship letter of recommendation is to provide a convincing third-party perspective on a student's qualifications for a scholarship. This document provides information beyond the one on a transcript or application form and should convey a well-rounded picture of the student's likelihood for success. Here's a breakdown of its key functions:
1. Personalization and Credibility
The recommender, usually a teacher, professor, advisor, or mentor, can talk about the student's character, work ethic, and future potential in a personal way. This will add credibility to the student’s application and provide useful insights to their personality beyond just academic performance.
2. Emphasize Strengths and Achievements
A solid letter of recommendation doesn't just speak of the student’s grades and activities. It dives deeper, showcasing the student's distinctive strengths, talents, and accomplishments that other scholarship application materials did not fully capture.
3. Boosting Application Competitiveness
In a highly competitive scholarship landscape, a strong letter of recommendation can greatly strengthen a student's application. Essentially, it helps to set them apart from other applicants by providing the sponsors with a personal and captivating narrative about their qualities.
4. Aligning with Scholarship Goals
The letter can help explain how the student's goals align with the scholarship's values and mission. This illustrates a deeper insight into the scholarship program and how the student can contribute to it.
Overall, a scholarship letter of recommendation is a document that aims to persuade the sponsors/scholarship committee that the candidate being recommended is an ideal recipient who exemplifies the values of the scholarship program.
What should be in a scholarship letter of recommendation?
To have a well-crafted scholarship recommendation essay for your student, there are certain information that must be included in the letter. However, it should be broken down into an introduction, body and conclusion for simplicity and clarity.
Introduction
Your introduction part of the letter is quite simple part. In this part of your letter, you include:
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Who you are, which includes your name, qualifications and area of expertise if need be.
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Your relationship with the student.
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How long you’ve known them.
Body
In the body of the letter, you then take time to talk about the following details:
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Your general observations and thoughts about the student’s academic strengths, personal qualities, and readiness for college.
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Specific examples that support those observations and thoughts.
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A summary that includes why you think this student is a good fit for this particular scholarship.
Conclusion
In the conclusion of your letter, you reiterate your relationship and assurance of the student’s performance. Then, you also end with a closing that says that you are open to being contacted for more information if need be.
Scholarship Letter of Recommendation Template
Here’s a template to guide you through the process of writing your scholarship recommendation letter:
[Name]
[Location
[Phone number]
[Email address].
[Date]
[Name of scholarship reviewer]
[Organization name]
[Organization location]
Dear [Scholarship Committee] or Dear [Recommendation Recipient Name],
I am writing this letter to recommend [Student Name] for the [Scholarship Name] scholarship. I have had the pleasure of knowing [Student Name] for [Number] years in my role as [Your Title] at School Name/Institution Name]. During this time, [Student Name] has consistently impressed me with their [Positive Qualities, e.g., academic achievements, work ethic, leadership skills, etc…
Mention Academic Achievements
• Briefly highlight [Student Name's academic performance. Mention their GPA (if appropriate) and any academic achievements that stand out (e.g., challenging courses taken, academic awards received, participation in research projects).
Provide Specific Examples
• Go beyond only listing achievements. Provide specific examples that speak of [Student Name]'s strengths and potential.
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For academic achievements, you can speak of a particular project where they excelled or a specific time they went above and beyond in a challenging course.
• If highlighting extracurricular activities, leadership roles, or skills, provide specific examples that demonstrate their impact and how they relate to their academic goals.
Alignment with Scholarship
• Explain how [Student Name]'s goals and aspirations perfectly align with the scholarship's mission.
• Speak of how the scholarship would benefit them in achieving their academic goals.
Conclusion
• Briefly summarize why you believe [Student Name] is a deserving candidate for the scholarship.
• Emphasize their unique qualities, potential, and how they would contribute to the scholarship program.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Contact Information (Optional).
By using this template as a guide, you can draft a solid letter of recommendation that will guarantee that your student’s application stands out.
Tips for writing a scholarship letter of recommendation.
Here are some tips to help you write an excellent letter of recommendation for your student.
Go through the Scholarship Requirements
If you are going to have an exceptional letter of recommendation, be sure to go through the scholarship requirements. Some scholarship requirements may place a high value on academic achievements while some may prioritise extracurricular activities. Studying the requirements helps you know what the school wants to focus on to help you write it well.
Research the Institution
Take some time to research the institution you are submitting the letter. With research, you can identify which values are more important to the school and how your student aligns with those values. It also helps you do a thorough job with the letter.
Gather the Student Details You Require Early
Writing a winning letter of recommendation entails that you would have the necessary and important details about the student. Those details will include:
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The student’s name, grade, test scores, and GPA.
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A brief summary (200 words max) of what they wrote about in their scholarship application essay (if applicable) so that you don’t repeat information or stories they’ve already covered in detail.
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What classes they have taken with you, a brief description of a lesson or activity they enjoyed in your class, and why they specifically chose you to write a recommendation?
With this information, you are then able to organise your thoughts to create a good letter.
Keep it As Concise As Possible
A letter of recommendation is not expected to be too long. That way, you do not wear the readers out. Keep the letter as concise as possible and only include the very necessary and important parts in your letter.
Proofread Carefully
When you are done writing the letter, it is important you proofread carefully to avoid errors of any sort. Remember that you are responsible for representing your student to the review committee and it is necessary that they make a great first impression. Improve grammar, check to spell and avoid errors in your letter.
What does a scholarship committee look for in a Scholarship Letter of Recommendation?
Here's what scholarship committees generally look for in recommended letters:
1. Insightful Evaluation of the Student
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Beyond Grades: Solid letters of recommendation go beyond just listing exam grades or test scores. Committees want you to provide a clear understanding of the student's academic strengths, intellectual curiosity, and potential for growth.
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Non-Academic Strengths: It's not a bad idea to mention relevant extracurricular activities, leadership roles, or even volunteer work that showcases the student's well-roundedness, ambition, and capacity to contribute beyond academics.
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Specific Examples: As a recommender, you should provide precise examples that depict the student's academic achievements, work ethic, or problem-solving skills. This accentuates the student's qualities and makes the recommendation more impactful.
2. Alignment with Scholarship Goals
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Understanding the Scholarship: The recommendation letter should illustrate the recommender's understanding of the scholarship's mission, value and criteria.
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Connecting Student to Scholarship: The recommender needs to explain how the student's goals, aspirations, and academic interests perfectly align with the scholarship's values. They should also explain how the student would benefit from the program.
3. Qualities and Potential
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Unique Strengths: The letter should emphasize the student's unique strengths, talents, or even personality traits that make them stand out from other applicants.
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Future Potential: A strong recommendation speaks to the student's potential for future success and their ability to make a positive impact in their field of study or chosen career path.
4. Credibility and Tone
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Recommender's Qualifications: The recommendation letter holds more weight if it comes from a credible source, such as a mentor, professor, teacher, advisor, or mentor who knows the student well.
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Professional Tone: The letter should be written in a professional tone, free of grammatical errors and typos.
Samples of scholarship letter of recommendation.
Letter of Recommendation from a Teacher for an Undergraduate Science Student
Ruth Bandile,
Johannesburg, South Africa
(555) 900-4444
15th November 2022.
Beckford Leaders Scholarship Committee
Barnesville University
Barnesville, Colorado
Dear Scholarship Committee,
It's with great pleasure I write to you to offer my recommendation of Philip Thabo for the Beckford Leaders Scholarship. I have worked with Philip as an academic adviser for six months and was previously his biology teacher. He is a remarkable young person with a drive for learning and an innate ability to translate thought into action. It's my belief that he is an exemplary candidate for this opportunity.
Traditionally, Banesville University awards the Beckford Scholarship to students who demonstrate a strong commitment to leadership in their communities, alongside exceptional academic commitment. Philip has demonstrated both qualities. On campus, Philip has led the school debate team to victory as team captain for three years in a row. While many students may have celebrated, Philip instead focused on the lack of diversity that he noticed at the competition his first year and became a founding member of Students for Change, a forum that worked to advance diversity efforts in specialized sports and activities across the Banesville School district.
Philip is also a hardworking student who has maintained a consistent A grade average. As his teacher, I noticed a particular ability to rally his fellow students before tests or large projects, encouraging them to help and support each other. As his current adviser, I have had the opportunity to see this same tendency toward teamwork, camaraderie and encouragement beyond my own class. It's because of these qualities that she has achieved so much in the few short years since joining the Barnesville community.
Therefore, I'm honoured to offer my support and recommendation for Philip Thabo as a qualified candidate for the Beckford Leaders Scholarship. He is a highly motivated and effective leader and student whom I believe is highly deserving of this honour and may use the privilege of this scholarship to continue a scholarly career marked by dedication and excellence. If you have any further questions, please contact me by phone or by email.
Sincerely,
Joan Jay
Letter of Recommendation by a College Professor for a Master's Student
To whom it may concern:
I’m delighted to recommend Sarah Bester for the ABC scholarship. I was been Sarah’s project supervisor and group lecturer at A.W. College for the past three years and know that she is exactly the kind of student your foundation hopes to reward.
Throughout my career, I’ve met very few students that are as inquisitive and engaged with the local community as Sarah. In the class group, she regularly leads group discussions and writes in a way most students only grasp once they’ve already begun their master's program. I can say without a doubt that she is in the top 10% of students I’ve had the pleasure to work with during my 15 years as a lecturer.
Sarah is also the assistant college librarian and makes my job as an English lecturer incredibly easy as she’s always going out of her way to help new members improve. For example, in preparation for a seminar, she spent several hours working one-on-one with one student who was new to the team and still struggling with stage fright. Although Sarah didn’t do as well as she would have liked to in that tournament, she still took immense pride in seeing how much her teammate improved in just a short time.
This willingness to help others is also reflected in Sarah’s community service work — something I know the ABC scholarship foundation greatly values. Outside of school, Sarah is actively involved in tutoring ESL learners at a local community centre. Although I’m not present at the centre, it’s easy for me to imagine how lucky those students must feel to have a tutor like Sarah. Her work ethic and dedication to helping people improve are impeccable.
I have full confidence that Sarah will continue to do great things next year when she begins her masters at Rice University. I also am confident that the ABC Scholarship Foundation would be hard-pressed to find another student deserving and representative of your mission to support the future community leaders of America.
It is for these reasons I’ve had zero hesitation to write this recommendation for Sarah.
Please feel free to contact me at +3451903763 or [email protected] if you have any questions. I’d be more than happy to provide more information on why Sarah is a deserving candidate for the ABC scholarship.
Sincerely,
Sam Louis
With these samples as a guide, you can be sure to write a scholarship letter of recommendation for a student and it would stand out.
FAQ
Who can write a Scholarship Letter of Recommendation?
Whoever you choose to write your recommendation letter must have a relationship with you. Here are some examples of people who can write a strong letter of recommendation for you.
Strong Candidates
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Teachers and Professors: Your teachers and professors have a direct standpoint on your academic performance, work ethic, as well as your overall potential.
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School Counselors or Advisors: School counsellors can speak about your overall academic journey, strengths, weaknesses, and even future goals. Also, they may be aware of distinct scholarships that perfectly align with your aspirations.
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Research Supervisors or Mentors: If you've taken part in research projects or internships, a research supervisor or mentor should have the capacity to discuss your research skills, initiative, and capacity to handle challenging tasks.
Other Options (Depending on the Context of the Scholarship)
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Employers (for specific scholarships): If the scholarship is related to a specific career path, a current or past employer who can speak about your work ethic and potential in that career could be a good option.
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Clergy Members (for faith-based scholarships): For faith-based scholarships, a clergy member who knows you well can speak about your character, leadership within the faith community, and how you represent the institution's values.
People to Avoid
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Family Members or Close Friends: Although your family members may know you well, their perspective may be subjective. Hence, scholarship committees generally prefer recommendations from professional or academic contacts who can offer objective insight.
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A Person Who Doesn't Know You Well: The recommender should be able to discuss your strengths and potential with precise examples. Don’t ask someone who hasn't had considerable interaction with you.
How long is a Scholarship Letter of Recommendation?
The perfect length of a scholarship letter of recommendation generally falls between one to two pages.
Can a friend write a Scholarship Letter of Recommendation?
Generally, it's not advised to ask your friend to write your scholarship letter of recommendation. This is because scholarship committees generally prefer recommendation letters from academic or professional contacts who can provide an objective assessment of your academic capacities and potential.
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