A well-crafted letter of recommendation for a scholarship can make a significant difference in a student’s chances of receiving financial aid. Scholarship committees receive countless applications, so a strong recommendation letter can help an applicant stand out by showcasing their unique qualities and accomplishments. It’s more than just a formality; it’s a crucial element that can sway the decision in the applicant’s favor.
This guide will walk you through the process of writing an effective and compelling scholarship recommendation letter. Whether you’re a teacher, professor, employer, or mentor, you’ll learn how to highlight the applicant’s strengths, align your letter with the scholarship’s goals, and create a powerful narrative that helps the applicant shine.
What selection committees look for
Scholarship committees are typically looking for more than just academic excellence. They want to see evidence of leadership, community involvement, resilience, and a strong sense of purpose. They are interested in applicants who not only excel in their studies but also demonstrate qualities like integrity, perseverance, and the ability to inspire others. A good scholarship recommendation letter will highlight these attributes and provide concrete examples that illustrate the applicant’s strengths.
Gather information about the scholarship
Before you start writing, it’s important to gather as much information as possible about the specific scholarship. Understanding the scholarship’s goals, values, and selection criteria will allow you to tailor your letter to align with what the committee is looking for. For example, if the scholarship is focused on leadership and community service, you’ll want to emphasize these aspects in your letter. This ensures that your recommendation not only supports the applicant but also resonates with the scholarship’s purpose.
Get to know the applicant
Taking the time to get to know the applicant better is essential to writing a strong scholarship recommendation letter. Schedule a meeting or have a conversation to discuss their achievements, goals, and reasons for applying for the scholarship. This will give you valuable insights into what makes the applicant unique and what motivates them. Understanding their personal and academic journey will help you write a letter that authentically represents who they are.
Key questions to ask
These questions will help you uncover stories and details that can make your letter more personal and compelling. To gather the most relevant information, consider asking the applicant the following questions:
- What are your academic interests and why are they important to you?
- What extracurricular activities are you involved in, and what roles have you played in them?
- Have you faced any significant challenges or obstacles? How did you overcome them?
- What are your long-term goals and how will this scholarship help you achieve them?
- Why are you particularly interested in this scholarship?
Review the applicant’s resume or portfolio
It’s also helpful to review the applicant’s resume, portfolio, or any other relevant documents they provide. This will give you a clear picture of their academic achievements, extracurricular involvement, and any honors or awards they’ve received. Referencing specific accomplishments in your letter will add credibility and depth, showing that your recommendation is based on concrete evidence.
Understand the required format and submission guidelines
Finally, be sure to understand any specific format or submission guidelines provided by the scholarship committee. This might include word count limits, formatting requirements, or submission deadlines. Following these guidelines carefully demonstrates your professionalism and ensures that the recommendation letter meets the committee’s expectations. Ignoring these details could inadvertently hurt the applicant’s chances, no matter how strong the content of your letter is.
Structuring the scholarship recommendation letter
Opening paragraph: Strong start
Introduction of yourself: Begin the letter by introducing yourself and explaining your relationship to the applicant. This establishes your credibility and gives the scholarship committee context for your recommendation. For example, you might say, “My name is Jane Smith, and I have had the pleasure of teaching Emily in Advanced Biology for the past two years. As her teacher and mentor, I have seen firsthand her dedication to her studies and her passion for scientific research.” By clearly stating your role and connection to the applicant, you help the reader understand why your opinion matters.
Applicant’s key qualities: Immediately after introducing yourself, highlight the applicant’s most noteworthy qualities or achievements. This grabs the reader’s attention and sets the tone for the rest of the letter. For instance, you could write, “Emily’s natural curiosity and relentless drive to understand complex biological systems have consistently set her apart from her peers. She has demonstrated exceptional analytical skills, leadership in group projects, and a strong commitment to advancing her knowledge.” Starting with a strong endorsement like this makes it clear that the applicant is a standout candidate.
Body paragraphs: Detailed support
Academic achievements: In the first body paragraph, focus on the applicant’s academic achievements. Provide specific examples that demonstrate their excellence in the classroom. For instance, you might describe a challenging project they completed, their performance in advanced coursework, or any awards or recognition they’ve received. You could say, “Emily’s research project on genetic markers in plants not only earned top marks but also won the school’s science fair. Her ability to conduct independent research and present her findings in a clear, compelling manner was truly impressive.”
Character and personal qualities: Next, discuss the applicant’s character and personal qualities. These attributes often carry significant weight in scholarship decisions. Highlight traits like integrity, leadership, teamwork, and how they interact with others. For example, “Beyond her academic achievements, Emily is known for her unwavering integrity and kindness. She is a natural leader who always encourages her peers and is quick to offer help when someone is struggling. Her positive influence in the classroom is felt by both students and teachers alike.”
Extracurricular involvement and community service: In the following paragraph, emphasize the applicant’s extracurricular activities and community service. This shows that the applicant is well-rounded and committed to making a difference beyond their academic pursuits. For example, “Emily is deeply involved in the school’s Environmental Club, where she has led multiple initiatives to promote sustainability. She also volunteers at a local animal shelter, dedicating her weekends to caring for rescued animals. Her commitment to these causes reflects her strong sense of responsibility and compassion.”
Challenges overcome: If applicable, describe any significant challenges the applicant has faced and how they have overcome them. This not only shows resilience but also adds a personal touch to the letter. You might write, “Despite facing significant personal challenges, including a family illness, Emily has maintained her high academic standards and continued to excel. Her ability to persevere through adversity speaks volumes about her character and determination.”
Tailored content: Throughout the body of the letter, ensure that your comments are tailored to the specific scholarship criteria. Relate the applicant’s strengths to what the scholarship committee is looking for. For instance, if the scholarship values leadership, make sure to highlight examples of the applicant’s leadership in both academic and extracurricular settings. This demonstrates that the applicant is a strong match for the scholarship.
Conclusion: Strong endorsement
Summary of recommendation: In the conclusion, reinforce your confidence in the applicant’s suitability for the scholarship. Summarize their key strengths and reiterate why you believe they are an excellent candidate. For example, “In summary, I wholeheartedly recommend Emily for this scholarship. Her academic excellence, leadership abilities, and unwavering commitment to her community make her an outstanding candidate who will undoubtedly continue to excel in her future endeavors.”
Call to action: Encourage the selection committee to give the applicant serious consideration, and offer to provide further information if needed. This shows your willingness to support the applicant beyond the letter. You could end with, “I strongly encourage you to consider Emily for this scholarship. Please feel free to contact me if you require any additional information. I would be more than happy to discuss her qualifications further.”
Contact information: Finally, include your contact details to make it easy for the committee to reach you. Provide your email address and phone number, and sign the letter with your full name and title.
Tips for writing an effective scholarship recommendation letter
- Be specific and provide examples: When writing a letter of recommendation for a scholarship, avoid generic statements. Instead, use specific anecdotes to illustrate the applicant’s strengths. For example, instead of saying, “John is a hard worker,” you might write, “John consistently stayed late after class to perfect his science project, demonstrating his dedication and attention to detail.”
- Maintain a positive and enthusiastic tone: Your tone should convey genuine enthusiasm and belief in the applicant’s potential. A positive and supportive tone not only boosts the applicant’s profile but also makes your letter more persuasive. For example, “I am thrilled to recommend Emily for this scholarship. Her passion for learning and her dedication to her community are truly inspiring.”
- Keep it concise and focused: Stick to relevant details that highlight the applicant’s strengths and qualifications. Avoid unnecessary information that could dilute the impact of the letter. A concise, well-organized letter is more likely to hold the reader’s attention and make a strong impression.
- Use professional language: Ensure the letter is well-written, free of errors, and uses formal, professional language. Avoid slang or overly casual expressions. A polished letter reflects well on both you and the applicant.
- Proofread and revise: Before submitting the letter, take the time to proofread it carefully. Eliminate any errors or awkward phrasing. Consider asking a colleague or peer to review the letter for clarity and effectiveness. A second pair of eyes can catch mistakes you might have missed.
Scholarship recommendation letter example
Annotated example: Below is a scholarship recommendation letter example with annotations explaining why each section is effective. You can also download the letter of recommendation template and view alternative scholarship recommendation letter examples.
(Introduction):
Jane Smith
Biology Teacher, XYZ High School
(Date)
To Whom It May Concern,
It is with great enthusiasm that I recommend Emily Johnson for the ABC Scholarship. I have had the pleasure of teaching Emily in Advanced Biology for the past two years, and I can confidently say that she is one of the most dedicated and talented students I have ever encountered.
(Body Paragraphs):
(Academic Achievements):
Emily has consistently demonstrated exceptional academic abilities. Her independent research on genetic markers in plants not only earned top marks but also won our school’s science fair. She has a natural talent for scientific inquiry and is always eager to deepen her understanding of complex biological systems.
(Character and Personal Qualities):
Beyond her academic prowess, Emily is a person of outstanding character. She leads by example, always offering support to her classmates and participating actively in discussions. Her integrity and kindness have earned her the respect of both her peers and teachers.
(Extracurricular Involvement and Community Service):
Emily’s commitment to environmental causes is evident in her leadership of the Environmental Club, where she has spearheaded several successful initiatives to promote sustainability. Additionally, her volunteer work at a local animal shelter highlights her compassion and dedication to helping others.
(Challenges Overcome):
Despite facing the challenge of a serious family illness, Emily has maintained her academic excellence and continued to contribute positively to our school community. Her resilience and determination are truly commendable.
(Conclusion):
In summary, I wholeheartedly recommend Emily for the ABC Scholarship. Her academic achievements, leadership skills, and commitment to her community make her an ideal candidate. Please do not hesitate to contact me at (email) or (phone number) if you need any further information.
Sincerely,
Jane Smith
Dos and don’ts within the scholarship recommendation letter sample
- Do: Highlight specific achievements and provide examples.
- Do: Maintain a positive and enthusiastic tone.
- Don’t: Use vague or generic language.
- Don’t: Include irrelevant information that doesn’t add value to the letter.
Read more on the following post: the do’s and don’ts of writing a recommendation letter
Conclusion
By taking the time to highlight the applicant’s strengths and align your letter with the scholarship’s criteria, you can make a compelling case for why they deserve to be selected.
Remember, a strong scholarship recommendation letter requires careful preparation and attention to detail. Investing the necessary time and effort into writing a well-rounded letter not only helps the applicant but also reflects positively on you as the recommender.

Sara has been in the career development field for over 10 years and has a wealth of knowledge to share. She covers topics such as resume writing, job search strategies, interview techniques, career planning, and more. You can connect with her on LinkedIn. She has curated our free downloadable resume templates for Word and resume templates for Google Docs.
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