Winning Scholarship Recommendation Letter: The Ultimate Cheat Sheet [Edition 2023]

As a student, seeking a scholarship can be an arduous task, but it is a worthwhile pursuit that can help you achieve your academic dreams. One critical aspect of scholarship applications is recommendation letters, which are an opportunity for someone who knows you well to speak on your behalf.

But…

If the above questions are running through your mind, then you’re in the right place.

In this article, we will explore the necessary elements of a winning scholarship recommendation letter and break down the steps to help you write a compelling letter that will increase your chances of getting that scholarship. So, let’s dive in!

Recommendation Letter – An Overview

A scholarship recommendation letter is written by a person, such as a teacher or mentor, who can attest to an applicant’s academic achievements, personal qualities, and potential for success. It is an important part of the scholarship application process because it provides additional evidence of an applicant’s qualifications and can help them stand out from other applicants.

Here are five benefits of having a scholarship recommendation letter:

How to Write Scholarship Recommendation Letter?

Here’s a step-by-step guide for writing a scholarship recommendation letter:

Step 1: Request information Ask the student for information about the scholarship they are applying for, such as the name of the scholarship, the application deadline, and the criteria for selection.

Step 2: Gather information about the student, such as their academic achievements (CGPA), extracurricular activities, personal qualities, and any other relevant information that can attest to their potential for success.

Step 3: Open with an introduction Start your letter with a formal introduction, stating your relationship to the student and how long you have known them.

Step 4: Describe the student’s academic achievements Provide a detailed description of the student’s academic achievements, including their GPA, academic honors or awards, and any outstanding coursework or research projects they have completed.

Example…

1. High GPA: A student who has consistently maintained a high grade point average (GPA) throughout their academic career is an example of an academic achievement. For instance, a student who has maintained a GPA of 3.8 or higher on a 4.0 scale can be considered an exemplary student.

Step 5: Describe the student’s personal qualities, such as their leadership skills, creativity, work ethic, and ability to collaborate with others.

Examples…

1. Leadership skills: The student has demonstrated exceptional leadership skills by spearheading a fundraising campaign for a local charity, which raised over $10,000 in a month.
2. Work ethic: The student has an outstanding work ethic, consistently meeting or exceeding deadlines, taking initiative on projects, and actively seeking out opportunities for growth and development in college.
3. Creativity: The student’s creativity shines through in their approach to problem-solving, often thinking outside the box to come up with innovative solutions to complex challenges.

Step 6: Provide specific examples to support your statements about the student, such as projects they have completed, challenges they have overcome, or leadership roles they have held.

Example…

Research project: Another example of an academic achievement is a student who has completed an exceptional research project. For instance, a student who has conducted an original research project in their field of study and presented it at a conference or published it in a peer-reviewed journal demonstrates exceptional academic abilities and intellectual curiosity.

Step 7: Summarize your recommendation by reiterating the student’s academic achievements and personal qualities, and expressing your confidence in their ability to succeed.

Step 8: Close your letter with a strong recommendation, expressing your enthusiasm for the student and their potential for success.

Step 9: Proofread your letter carefully to ensure that it is free of errors and that it effectively communicates your recommendation. Use Grammarly or Hemingway for accuracy of grammar and best suggested sentence structures.

Step 10: Submit your letter in a before deadline, following the instructions provided by the scholarship organization, and providing any additional information or documentation that may be required.

Recommendation Letter Format [Essential Elements]

Scholarship recommendation letter must include the following essential elements that make it formal and professional for the organization you are writing for..

Sample Recommendation Letter for Scholarship

Dear Scholarship Committee,

I am writing to recommend Jane Doe for the XYZ Scholarship. I have had the pleasure of knowing Jane for the past two years, during which time she has consistently demonstrated exceptional academic achievement and personal qualities.

As a student in my English literature class, Jane has consistently earned high marks, showing a deep understanding of complex literary concepts and engaging in thoughtful analysis of course materials. She has also pursued independent research projects, demonstrating her intellectual curiosity and commitment to academic excellence.

In addition to her academic achievements, Jane is a natural leader and creative thinker. She has volunteered with several local community organizations, taking on leadership roles in fundraising campaigns and mentoring programs for underprivileged youth. Her creativity and passion for helping others have been invaluable in these efforts, and I have no doubt that she will continue to make a positive impact in her community and beyond.

Overall, I am confident that Jane is an excellent candidate for the XYZ Scholarship. Her academic achievements, leadership skills, and creativity make her an exceptional student and a deserving recipient of this prestigious award.

Sincerely,

Sarah Smith

Literature and English Professor

Bad vs Good [5 Major Points for Scholarship Recommendation Letter]

1. Specific examples: A great scholarship recommendation letter provides specific examples of the student’s achievements, skills, and qualities, while a poor letter may only provide general statements without any specific details.
2. Length and detail: The best scholarship recommendation letter is typically longer and more detailed, providing a comprehensive overview of the student’s academic and personal achievements, while a poor letter may be brief and lacking in detail.
3. Tone: Most desired letter already working is positive and enthusiastic, while a poor letter may be vague, lukewarm, or even negative in tone.
4. Personalization: Every candidates background varies, thus good recommendation letter is personalized to the student, highlighting their unique strengths and accomplishments, while a poor letter may sound generic and could have been written for any student.
5. Professionalism: A perfect scholarship recommendation letter is written in a professional tone and format, with proper grammar and spelling, while a poor letter may contain errors, typos, or other mistakes that detract from its credibility.

Who Should I Ask to Write My Recommendation Letter?

Who Should Not Ask to Write My Recommendation Letter?

Following group of people can not write recommendation letter for you. It is forbidden and will be a cause of rejection.

5 Books for Crafting A Compelling Scholarship Recommendation Letter

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