Top Tips for Crafting a Strong Scholarship Recommendation Letter

Are you looking to write a compelling recommendation letter for a scholarship applicant? Follow these steps and include the suggested elements to boost your chances of creating a strong endorsement that can set the student apart from other applicants.

Step-by-Step Guide on How to Write a Good Recommendation Letter for Scholarship Applicants:

1. Review the Scholarship Requirements: Before you start, understand the eligibility requirements and selection criteria for the scholarship. Tailor your letter to highlight the applicant’s most relevant qualities and achievements.
2. Gather Information about the Applicants: Collect pertinent details about the student’s academic background, extracurricular activities, and challenges overcome. Review their resume, transcript, or other relevant documents, and engage in a conversation with the applicant.
3. Prepare an Outline for Your Letter: Organize your thoughts and ensure you include all necessary information by creating an outline.

Things You Must Include in Your Recommendation Letter:

a. Letterhead: Date, Full name, Title, Institution name, Official address, City, state, zip code, Preferred contact information
b. Introduction: Provide an overview of the student, specify the scholarship they are applying for, and detail the student’s background along with the nature of your relationship with them.
c. Overview: Explain the student’s strong points and how they meet the scholarship requirements. Include relevant numbers, such as test scores and grades, to enhance the student’s application. Highlight the student’s accomplishments to showcase their hardworking and determined nature.
d. Specific Examples: Delve into specific examples that substantiate your claims. Mention any extracurricular activities and whether the student holds leadership positions in school clubs or organizations.
e. Conclusion: Conclude with a strong approval of the student, emphasizing your confidence in their abilities and reiterating your wholehearted recommendation. Emphasize the student’s suitability for the scholarship.

10 Most Effective Ways to Write a Letter of Recommendation for Scholarships:

1. Start Strong: Open with a powerful introduction, stating your name and connection to the student. Emphasize your qualifications, making you a credible source for discussing the student’s abilities and character.
2. Highlight Academic Achievements: Showcase the student’s academic excellence with specific accomplishments, such as outstanding grades, rigorous coursework, or academic accolades. Use quantifiable data like test scores or GPA to strengthen your endorsement.
3. Showcase Personal Qualities: Illustrate the student’s personal qualities, emphasizing leadership, teamwork, problem-solving, and other exceptional characteristics beyond academics for a comprehensive view of their strengths.
4. Provide Specific Incidents: Instead of listing strengths, offer vivid incidents or specific examples demonstrating the student’s qualities. Real-life examples add depth and credibility to your recommendation.
5. Connect to Scholarship Goals: Describe how the applicant’s ambitions align with the scholarship’s mission and goals. Show how the scholarship contributes to their personal and professional growth.
6. Use Strong Action Verbs: Employ strong action verbs throughout the letter to convey the student’s accomplishments and qualities, making it engaging and impactful.
7. Proofread and Edit Thoroughly: Ensure your letter is free of grammatical errors, typos, and inconsistencies to reflect professionalism and enhance impact.
8. Keep your Letter Short and Straight to the Point: Limit your letter to approximately one page. Be selective with examples, avoiding unnecessary details that may distract from your main message.
9. Tailor Your Letter to the Scholarship (Very Necessary): Review the scholarship’s criteria and selection process to tailor your letter. Highlight the applicant’s achievements and attributes aligned with the scholarship’s values to demonstrate their suitability.
10. Conclude with a Strong Statement: End with a powerful statement emphasizing your endorsement and reiterating your recommendation. Convey confidence in the student’s ability to positively impact and contribute meaningfully to the scholarship program for a lasting impression.