How To Write A Scholarship Letter Of Recommendation – Merit-based scholarships are not very easy to come by and when they do, they are often highly competitive. With only a few slots and multitudes vying for the open spots, landing these scholarships can be quite a challenge.
Everything about the applicant is usually taken into consideration and several supporting documents are often required to be handed in during the screening stages of the Scholarship.
One of such document is the Scholarship Letter of Recommendation.
This post will address how to write a Scholarship Recommendation letter that is both professional and concise.
What Is A Recommendation Letter for A scholarship?
A recommendation letter for a scholarship is an official document issued or written by a trusted lecturer, adviser or mentor to attest the value of the individual applying for a scholarship.
While the actual content of these letters may differ depending on the type of scholarship, they emphasize the qualities and skills that match the scholarship criteria.
A recommendation letter may also relate specific examples of the Applicant’s previous achievements and how these foregoing achievements may account for his or her abilities.
Since a scholarship letter of recommendation is a formal letter created by a person who is typically in a position of authority, like a professor, that can attest to a student’s abilities, the letter follows flexible principles showing why a student deserves the scholarship they wish to be awarded.
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Why Is The Recommendation Letter Needed?
Oftentimes than not, the Awarders of a Scholarship wish to know more about the abilities of an applicant.
They wish to know more about the applicant than just the regular pieces of information provided during the Scholarship Application Stages.
The Recommendation Letter becomes handy at this stage. Written and endorsed by an authority such as a former Boss, a Professor, or a Mentor, it shows firsthand what extra strengths the Student may possess in addition to the submitted Documents.
What Format Does The Scholarship Recommendation Letter Take?
The Recommendation Letter is a Formal Letter and is Written as such.
It has six main parts including:
The Writer’s Address
This contains the Address of the Author of the letter. Contact Address, Official Address, Institution Name, Phone Number, Email, Zip Code and other necessary contact details.
However, if this Letter is written on Letter Headed Paper, these may not be necessary.
This is because they would already be included in the Letter Headed Paper.
The Recipient’s Address
It may also be addressed “To whom It May Concern” as the recipient of the letter is often not known beforehand.
The Introduction
The Introduction usually contains a brief description of the Student/applicant in question.
Without being too detailed it speaks briefly about the student.
The Body Of The Letter
This makes up for the bulk of the letter.
It will describe the student’s strengths and how the candidate qualifies for the scholarship requirements.
Writing about quantitative examples such as test scores and academic achievements will help the student’s application stand out from the crowd although it is often necessary to not be too detailed about this part of the letter.
This is because over-praising the student would attract the very opposite of the desired results expected.
The accomplishments of the Student show that he or she is a highly motivated individual with principles and a great work ethic.
After communicating clearly that the student is suitable for the scholarship, commence writing about tangible instances that validate your claims.
It is sometimes best to include other extracurricular activities which the student is very good at, not just Academics.
You’re writing on behalf of the student and would love to, above all else, love to show and prove why they’re the best candidate for this scholarship award.
Including anything relevant to the scholarship the student is applying for, and illustrating why they are the best student for the opportunity is the aim of writing the letter and it’s best to stick to that.
Conclusion
This is the closing part of the letter where you endorse your validation of the student as a suitable recipient for the scholarship Award.
Salutation
As the Letter of Recommendation is a formal letter, the Salutation is equally very important.
There are no die hard rules as to what kind of closing salutation to use.
However, Be as formal as possible and avoid trivial or informal lingo at all costs.
Signature
Sign to confirm the end of the letter.
An official Stamp or Seal can also be used if available.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Can a friend write a scholarship recommendation letter?
A. Letters of recommendation for scholarships are more commonly penned by teachers, mentors, and former or employers.
Although personalized letters from friends can point out personal qualities, it is often highly recommended that a scholarship recommendation letter comes from a professional as a personal scholarship letter may not be accompanied by the needed credibility.
Q. How long should my recommendation letter be?
A. The Recommendation Letter is a formal Letter and as such should not be too lengthy.
It should be direct and straight to the point, contain around 500 words and should not exceed two pages
Too short and you risk missing out on very vital information.
Too long on the other hand becomes too cumbersome to read so keep to a reasonable word count.
Q. What is the Scholarship Committee exactly looking for in the Scholarship Recommendation Letter?
A. A scholarship committee supervises over the management and award of scholarships to Qualified Applicants.
Also, the committee creates submission rules to ensure equity and fairness to all applicants, They also evaluate submissions from respective applicants.
Applicants who exude confidence and zeal for the scholarship position are found to be more attractive to the scholarship committee. They also stand a better chance of being awarded the Scholarship
Scholarship donors normally look out for applicants who are high academic achievers and possess leadership skills.
Sometimes (depending on the Scholarship in question) scholarship donors look out for Applicants who are in financial need.
Additionally, scholarship committees will carefully examine your soft skill sets.
Skills such as communication, leadership, and teamwork skills are often used as criteria, and possession of these would set you apart from other applicants.
Q. Who Best Writes My Scholarship Recommendation Letter?
A. It is best if your Letter of Recommendation is written by someone in a position of Authority such as a Professor, established Teacher, Former Boss at Work, or Mentor.
Other Professionals may also author your Letter of Recommendation. However, it will be best if they are occupying a position of Authority
This makes your letter more credible.
Conclusion
A quality Scholarship Letter of Recommendation may be the defining factor determining your success at a Scholarship Screening.
Nonetheless, other criteria are also taken into consideration before Scholarships are being awarded.