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10 Strong Scholarship Recommendation Letter Examples

Help make college more affordable for your students.

Paying for college takes a lot of planning. Tuition costs rise every year and graduates are buckling under the weight of debt from loans. For some, the expense of higher education is prohibitive, with many talented students being forced to cut their dreams short. Scholarships can make getting a degree more affordable. Students qualify based on academic performance, special interests, or financial needs. If you’ve been asked to help with the process, we’ve got you covered! Here’s a list of sample recommendation letters for scholarship applications that best meet your students’ needs.

How To Write Scholarship Recommendation Letters

If you’ve been asked to write a recommendation letter for your student’s scholarship, you might feel overwhelmed. You want to help your student, but you’re worried your letter won’t be good enough. In the end, you can only do your best, so lead with your heart and consider the following suggestions:

• Use letterhead and add your personal information (full name, title, school name, etc.) in the top left corner. 
• Fill the whole page (at least 300 words) with an introduction, two or three paragraphs, and a conclusion. 
• In the first paragraph, introduce your student, specify the scholarship for which they are applying, and share details about the nature and length of your relationship. 
• In the body paragraphs, describe the ways your student is suitable and deserving of the scholarship. 
• In your final section, pull everything together and emphasize your student’s strengths as well as the reasons why you are endorsing them. 

Here’s a quick video on how to craft an effective scholarship recommendation letter:

Don’t feel you can honestly provide a positive recommendation? Gently decline their request for a letter. Avoid putting yourself in a position where you will have to be insincere. You don’t want to write something negative because it could cost the student an opportunity to earn a scholarship. 

Sample Recommendation Letters for Scholarship Applications

1. general scholarship recommendation letter.

This is a great sample scholarship letter if you’re trying to offer a rounded view of a student’s performance in high school. You’ll include information about your experience with them as well as your thoughts on their potential success in a higher-education setting.

2. Sample Rhodes Scholarship letter 

If your student is a candidate for a prestigious award such as the Rhodes Scholarship, this sample scholarship letter will give you an idea of what to share with the selection committee. With these types of recommendation letters, you want to provide as much praise and positive information as possible.

3. Scholarship letter for math students

There are many great scholarship opportunities for strong math students. This sample recommendation letter outlines how to share not only your student’s math talents but the other traits that make them a good candidate as well.

4. Leadership scholarship sample letter

This helpful scholarship recommendation letter offers an example for highlighting leadership skills. Back up your endorsement by sharing specific situations as well as participation in any committees, programs, and events where your student excelled.

5. Scholarship letter for international studies

Does your student plan to go abroad? If so, review this sample for writing a strong letter of recommendation for this specific type of scholarship. Be sure to include evidence as to why you believe your student is well rounded and exceptional. 

6. Environmentalist scholarship letter

Has one of your students decided to pursue a degree in environmental sciences and wildlife? If so, this scholarship recommendation letter is a good example because it concisely highlights their strengths and shares why they would make a good candidate.

7. Scholarship letter for students who need financial assistance

No one should miss out on a college education because they can’t afford to pay. You can help them overcome this barrier! This excellent sample letter of recommendation shows the details to include for scholarships based on financial need. 

8. Scholarship recommendation letter for STEM students

There are many scholarships for students who plan to pursue a career in STEM fields. If you’ve been asked to write a letter of recommendation for this type of scholarship, this sample will give you a good idea of what to include. 

9. Greek society scholarship letter sample

Fraternities and sororities can be a great source of financial support for college and university students. Review this sample recommendation letter for scholarship applications for Greek society candidates.

10. Personal endorsement for scholarships

This sample recommendation letter for a scholarship application is best when you can’t vouch for the prospective student’s academic performance but want to share information about their personal character and how it relates to the scholarship program. 

Do you have a great sample recommendation letter for scholarship applications? Please share it in the comments below!

Plus, check out  the ultimate guide to college scholarships, want more articles like this be sure to subscribe to our newsletters ..

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Ultimate Guide to Writing Scholarship Recommendation Letters

Embarking on the quest for a scholarship is akin to assembling a mosaic of one’s academic journey, and nestled within this assemblage is a gem often underestimated yet pivotal — the letter of recommendation. This document transcends beyond mere formality; it breathes life into the pages of accomplishments and aspirations. In the competitive arena of scholarship applications, where exceptional grades are par for the course, a well-articulated recommendation letter emerges as a beacon, illuminating a student’s persona beyond their academic prowess. This letter, when penned with insight and authenticity, can pivot the scales in a student’s favor, transforming their application from a mere dossier of achievements into a vivid narrative that captures the essence of their potential.

While personal references are invaluable, there are instances where students might not have access to suitable recommenders. In such situations, considering the option to buy a letter of recommendation could be a viable alternative. Professional services that offer such letters are adept at understanding the nuances of what makes a recommendation impactful, ensuring that the letter aligns with the student’s achievements and aspirations.

Understanding Recommendation Letters: Unveiling the Narrative

What exactly encapsulates a recommendation letter for a scholarship? It is a mosaic of trust and belief, crafted by someone who has closely witnessed the student’s academic and personal growth — a teacher, a mentor, or perhaps an employer. This letter is a tapestry woven with threads of the student’s resilience, their leadership, their unwavering commitment, and those sparkling moments that define their journey.

The profound impact of recommendation letters within the scholarship realm is undeniable. Far more than a mere endorsement of a student’s abilities, these letters illuminate the very essence of their character. They highlight a student’s perseverance in the face of challenges, their relentless pursuit of goals, and the depth of their personal qualities that set them apart in a sea of academically excellent peers.

In the landscape of scholarship applications, where outstanding grades and test scores are common, these letters bring into focus the unique attributes of a student. They cast a light on those special qualities that differentiate them, offering a narrative that resonates deeply with scholarship committees. It’s not just about demonstrating a need for financial aid; these letters craft a vivid picture of a student who is not only poised to benefit from the scholarship but is also ready to significantly enrich their own life and the communities around them.

Who Should Write the Letter

When it comes to penning a recommendation letter for a scholarship, the choice of author holds significant weight. The ideal candidate is someone who has had a meaningful and substantial interaction with the student, someone who can provide more than a superficial endorsement. Typically, teachers and counselors are the frontrunners in this endeavor, given their firsthand experience with the student’s academic diligence and intellectual curiosity. They are the witnesses to the student’s journey of growth and academic exploration, often able to provide rich insights into the student’s scholarly pursuits and personal development.

The array of suitable authors for a scholarship recommendation letter isn’t confined to the halls of academia. Employers can provide invaluable insights, shedding light on the student’s professional demeanor, leadership qualities, and collaborative skills in a workplace context. Their perspective is a window into how the student navigates real-world challenges and interactions. Likewise, coaches and mentors from extracurricular realms bring their unique viewpoints, speaking to the student’s ability to work as part of a team, their resilience in the face of obstacles, and their dedication to activities beyond the academic curriculum.

These non-academic recommenders can illuminate aspects of the student’s character that might remain unseen in a classroom setting. Their testimonials can paint a holistic picture, highlighting a well-rounded individual who thrives in various environments and situations.

A member of a scholarship committee once aptly noted, “The most impactful letters come from those who truly know the applicant and can provide specific anecdotes that bring their application to life.” This statement underscores the importance of selecting an author who can delve beyond academic achievements to paint a vivid picture of the student as a multifaceted individual.

Ultimately, the ideal author of a scholarship recommendation letter is someone who can blend personal anecdotes with professional insights to create a narrative that not only highlights the student’s qualifications but also captures their spirit and potential.

Step-by-Step Writing Guide for Crafting an Impactful Recommendation Letter

Crafting a recommendation letter for a scholarship is much like creating a detailed portrait; it demands meticulous attention, a deep comprehension of the student’s character, and a knack for eloquent expression. This guide provides a detailed roadmap to help you weave a letter that is not only engaging and perceptive but also a true reflection of the student’s merits.

Starting with the Basics: Letterhead and Introduction

• Use Professional Letterhead: Begin with a professional letterhead that includes your contact information, if available. This lends a touch of formality and credibility to your letter.
• Craft a Strong Opening: Your opening sentence should grab attention. Introduce yourself and your relationship with the student. Mention how long you’ve known them and in what capacity.

The Art of Personalization: Tailoring Your Content

• Understanding the Student: Reflect on the student’s strengths, achievements, and unique qualities. Personal anecdotes that showcase these attributes can be powerful.
• Aligning with the Scholarship’s Goals: Research the scholarship’s objectives and criteria. Tailor your letter to show how the student’s profile aligns with these goals.

Structuring the Letter: A Clear Framework

• Introduction: Here, include your professional standing, your relationship with the student, and an overview of their suitability for the scholarship.
• Body Paragraphs:
• First Paragraph: Delve into the student’s academic abilities and achievements. Use specific examples to illustrate their intellectual curiosity and dedication to their studies.
• Second Paragraph: Highlight extracurricular activities, leadership roles, and personal qualities. Emphasize traits like resilience, empathy, and creativity.
• Conclusion: Conclude with a strong endorsement of the student, reiterating their suitability for the scholarship and your belief in their potential.

Style and Tone: The Subtle Nuances

• Maintain a Formal Yet Warm Tone: While the letter should be formal, it should also convey warmth and sincerity. Your genuine belief in the student should shine through.
• Be Concise and Clear: Avoid overly flowery language. Clarity and conciseness are key to a powerful letter.

Polishing Your Letter: The Final Touches

• Proofreading Is Crucial: Check for grammatical errors or typos. A well-polished letter reflects both on you and the student.
• Seek Feedback: If possible, have a colleague review the letter. Fresh eyes can offer valuable insights.

Penning a recommendation letter is not just a task—it’s an honor and a testament to your role in a student’s academic journey. Such a letter is a conduit for their aspirations, a crucial step in their path to success. Following these guidelines, you can compose a letter that not only showcases the student’s accomplishments and personal strengths but also harmonizes with the spirit and objectives of the scholarship committee.

Templates and Examples for a Spectrum of Scholarship Types

Embarking on the task of writing recommendation letters for various scholarship types requires a nuanced approach. To aid in this endeavor, we offer a comprehensive collection of templates, each crafted to highlight the distinct qualities and achievements relevant to different scholarship categories. Explore these tailored templates:

Academic Excellence Scholarships

Ideal for academically stellar students, these templates underscore intellectual achievements, critical thinking abilities, and a profound love for knowledge, spotlighting their scholastic contributions and future academic potential.

Athletic Scholarships

Designed for sports enthusiasts, these templates highlight the candidate’s athletic skills, team spirit, and commitment to sportsmanship, emphasizing their resilience and ability to juggle sports and academics.

Arts and Creativity Scholarships

For creatively gifted students, these templates shed light on artistic talents, original thinking, and dedication to arts and culture, detailing artistic accomplishments and creative endeavors.

Community Service Scholarships

These templates are perfect for students who excel in volunteerism, focusing on their empathy, leadership in community initiatives, and dedication to social causes and community betterment.

Leadership Scholarships

Suited for born leaders, these templates emphasize leadership roles, the capacity to motivate others, and proactive efforts in enacting positive change, showcasing qualities like decision-making, ethical integrity, and visionary thinking.

STEM Scholarships

For students excelling in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math, these templates highlight their analytical skills, innovative projects, and contributions to the STEM fields, underscoring their potential for future breakthroughs.

Environmental Advocacy Scholarships

These templates are tailored for environmental champions, emphasizing their commitment to environmental causes, initiatives in sustainability, and efforts to raise awareness about ecological issues.

Entrepreneurial Scholarships

For budding entrepreneurs, these templates focus on business acumen, innovative ideas, and the ability to transform visions into reality, highlighting their entrepreneurial spirit and potential for future business success.

Cultural Heritage Scholarships

Ideal for students who actively engage in preserving and promoting cultural heritage, these templates illuminate their efforts in cultural activities, contributions to cultural preservation, and the impact on their community.

Nursing Scholarships

Tailored for those with a calling in nursing, these templates underscore the compassion, unwavering commitment to healthcare, and scholarly excellence in nursing studies. They shed light on the candidate’s practical nursing skills, their innate empathy, and their steadfast dedication to enhancing patient care. Ideal for illustrating their hands-on healthcare experiences, these templates also delve into the candidate’s resilience and adeptness in navigating the complexities of healthcare settings. This approach highlights their readiness and potential to thrive in the demanding yet rewarding field of nursing.

In sum, each of these templates serves as a foundational guide, enabling you to vividly portray the candidate’s unique attributes and accomplishments in a manner that resonates with the specific criteria of each scholarship type. From academic prowess to artistic flair, from community service to environmental activism, these templates help in crafting recommendation letters that are both impactful and emblematic of the candidates’ respective strengths and passions.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Writing Scholarship Recommendation Letters

Writing a recommendation letter for a scholarship is a delicate balance of art and precision. While it’s crucial to encapsulate the essence of the student’s achievements and character, it’s equally important to be aware of common blunders that could diminish the effectiveness of your letter. Here, we outline typical errors often seen in recommendation letters and provide insights on how to skillfully avoid them. This guidance aims to ensure that your letter not only highlights the student’s strengths but also resonates with clarity and authenticity.

Overgeneralization

• The Pitfall: Falling into the trap of writing vague, non-specific letters.
• How to Avoid: Personalize each letter. Include specific anecdotes and examples that vividly showcase the student’s abilities and character.

Excessive Length

• The Pitfall: Crafting overly lengthy letters that lose the reader’s interest.
• How to Avoid: Be concise. Aim for a balance where you provide enough detail to be persuasive without being verbose.

Lack of Focus on the Student

• The Pitfall: Spending too much time discussing your own credentials or experiences.
• How to Avoid: Keep the spotlight on the student. Your role is to support their application, not to highlight your own achievements.

Neglecting the Scholarship Criteria

• The Pitfall: Ignoring the specific criteria or values of the scholarship.
• How to Avoid: Tailor your letter to align with the scholarship’s objectives. Emphasize aspects of the student’s profile that resonate with these criteria.

Skipping Proofreading

• The Pitfall: Submitting a letter with typos or grammatical errors.
• How to Avoid: Always proofread your letter, or better yet, have a colleague review it. A polished letter reflects well on both you and the student.

Overly Generic Tone

• The Pitfall: Using a tone that is too formal or impersonal.
• How to Avoid: Write with warmth and sincerity. A genuine tone can make the letter more engaging and memorable.

By steering clear of these common errors, your recommendation letter will stand as a testament to the student’s worthiness for the scholarship, effectively conveying their unique qualities and potential. Remember, a well-crafted letter not only benefits the student but also reflects positively on your role as their mentor or guide.

FAQ Section: Navigating the Nuances of Recommendation Letters

In the process of crafting and submitting a scholarship recommendation letter, numerous questions often arise. This FAQ section aims to address some of the most common inquiries, offering clear and concise answers to guide you through this important task.

How to Write a Letter for a Recently Known Student?

When writing for a student you’ve recently met, focus on first impressions and potential. Highlight their enthusiasm, initial accomplishments, or immediate impact in your class or organization. Even a short interaction can reveal significant qualities like eagerness to learn or a positive attitude.

Addressing a Student’s Potential Over Academic Record

If a student’s academic record isn’t their strongest suit, emphasize their potential and other strengths. Discuss their work ethic, improvements over time, resilience, or contributions to class discussions. Mention specific instances where they’ve shown growth or a strong commitment to learning.

Describing Personal Growth and Resilience

To illustrate a student’s personal growth or resilience, share a story where they overcame challenges or adapted to new situations. Describe how they handled a particular project under pressure or bounced back from a setback, showing their growth mindset and perseverance.

What if I Don’t Have All the Details About the Scholarship?

If you’re missing specifics about the scholarship, write a more general letter that focuses on the student’s overall strengths and suitability for a range of scholarship opportunities. Highlight their universal qualities like leadership, academic integrity, and community involvement.

Balancing Professionalism with Personal Insights

To strike the right balance, maintain a formal tone but weave in personal anecdotes. Share stories that reveal the student’s character in a professional context. This approach will give the committee a well-rounded view of the student.

Handling Requests from Multiple Students

When juggling multiple requests, it’s crucial to personalize each letter. Avoid using a one-size-fits-all template. Take notes on each student’s unique qualities and achievements to ensure each letter is individualized and reflective of the student’s distinct traits.

Writing for a Student in a Non-Academic Context

If your experience with the student is outside the classroom, focus on skills and qualities they displayed in that context. Talk about their teamwork, leadership, initiative, or any project-specific skills. Relate these qualities to how they could translate to academic success.

As we draw this guide to a close, let’s revisit the essence of what makes a scholarship recommendation letter not just good, but truly impactful. Crafting such a letter is an art form, where the interplay of eloquence, insight, and authenticity takes center stage. Your words have the power to open doors of opportunity for a deserving student, to illuminate their path towards academic and personal growth.

Remember, a great recommendation letter is one that reflects a deep understanding of the student’s character and achievements. It is personalized, detailed, and resonates with the specific criteria of the scholarship. It’s not just about listing accolades but about telling a compelling story that showcases the student’s unique journey and potential.

We encourage you to utilize the templates and examples provided as a starting point, a foundation upon which to build your narrative. Let your genuine knowledge of and belief in the student shine through. Use anecdotes and specific examples to breathe life into your descriptions. Above all, write with sincerity and a sense of purpose.

This guide is designed to be your companion in this significant task. By avoiding common pitfalls and focusing on what truly matters, your letter can be a pivotal factor in a scholarship committee’s decision. So, as you set pen to paper, remember the impact your words can have. You are not just writing a letter; you are helping to shape a student’s future.

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How to Get a Strong Recommendation Letter for Scholarships 

Just as admissions officers have to find ways to distinguish one student from the next, scholarship committees have to select winners from among thousands of talented applicants. Because most scholarship organizations provide rewards based on academics, achievements, or extracurriculars, it’s only logical that committees would seek additional information about a student’s character and interests. The best recommendation letters for scholarships provide valuable information about students that can’t be gleaned from grades and test scores alone. Keep reading for tips on getting a strong letter of recommendation so you can maximize your funding for college. 

Do You Need a Recommendation Letter for Scholarships? 

As a college-bound student, you probably know that recommendation letters are an essential element of any applicant profile. However, you might not realize that many scholarship programs also require you to provide a recommendation letter as part of the application process. Decision committees are looking for reasons to choose one student over another, and an effective scholarship recommendation letter provides the awarding institution with valuable information about a student’s character, values, interests, and achievements.

Not all scholarships require recommendation letters. For example, students don’t need a letter of recommendation to apply for the Unigo I Have a Dream Scholarship . On the other hand, students do need their high school official’s written recommendation to apply for the National Merit Scholarship and the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation award. That said, it’s important to apply for funding from a variety of programs and opportunities, so start your search early and be prepared to ask for a recommendation as part of your process.

How to Ask for a Scholarship Recommendation Letter

As we mentioned above, if you’re planning to apply for scholarships, then the odds are good that you’ll need at least one recommendation letter from a teacher or other adult in your life. Unfortunately, many students make the mistake of asking for letters too late, or not providing recommendation writers with the information they need. It’s important to keep a few key items in mind when preparing to ask for a letter of recommendation.

Who to Ask for a Recommendation

While individual scholarship programs will have specific requirements for recommendations, most letters are written by teachers, professors, or school counselors. In some cases, an employer or athletics coach may be an acceptable recommender. Scholarship programs will give guidance around who you can tap to write your recommendation as well as if a particular type of recommendation is required, for example an arts scholarship might require a recommendation from your dance instructor while an English teacher might recommend you for a Writing scholarship. When in doubt, choose a writer who has known you for a long time, believes in you as a student, and can speak intelligently about your goals and relevant achievements. 

If you want an extra edge in the scholarship competition, seek out a recommendation from a teacher who also knows you in an extracurricular context. For example, you could ask your English teacher who also serves as your faculty advisor on the school paper, or your biology instructor who happens to coach you on the soccer team. Because they know you both inside and outside the classroom, they can write about you in a way that’s more well-rounded, informative, and overall more compelling. 

How to Ask for a Recommendation

It’s important to remember that your teachers and coaches aren’t obligated to provide you with a scholarship recommendation letter. If you want them to do this favor, be sure to ask politely. While email is an acceptable option for people you don’t see regularly, asking for a recommendation in person is generally regarded as the more appropriate option. If you do opt to contact someone via email, be sure to include a clear subject line and a friendly greeting before making your request. Your email should also include any important information, such as topics to be covered in the letter and the deadline by which it needs to be submitted. 

It’s important to make a good impression on the people you plan to ask for recommendations. While you should of course strive to have good relationships with all your teachers and coaches, it’s worth going above and beyond to form a personal connection with those who you plan to ask for scholarship letters. For example, you could stay after class a few times to discuss your college plans or ask them to share an experience from their own college application journey.

Additionally, students should take care to include all the information the recommender needs to craft an effective letter. Many students opt to provide teachers with brag sheets, or CVs that include any academic and extracurricular activities that are relevant to the scholarship in question. After all, your chemistry teacher might not know that you spend time interning at a local laboratory on summer breaks. Students should also include information relevant to the scholarship, such as letter length requirements and deadlines for submission.

Occasionally, a teacher or coach may decline to provide you with a letter. There are various reasons this could happen, such as if the person doesn’t know you well enough or is already busy writing recommendations for other students. If you hear a no from someone, avoid asking for explanations or pushing them to reconsider. Instead, choose another authority figure to ask.

When to Ask for a Recommendation

According to the Wall Street Journal, some high school teachers write recommendation letters for 50 or more applicants each year. With that in mind, students should make their requests early if they don’t want to get lost in the shuffle or have to go with their second choice. Remember, teachers aren’t paid for the time spent writing recommendations, and they often have to fit this task in among other responsibilities like grading essays and planning lessons or even in their personal time. For best results, ask for a letter at least a month in advance, so teachers and counselors have plenty of time to gather information and write the recommendation. 

To make sure you receive your recommendation letters for scholarships, follow up with the teacher a week or so before the due date. And of course you should send a thank-you note after receiving the finished recommendation.

What a Letter Should Include

The most effective recommendation letters for scholarships should do more than rehash your grades and academic accomplishments; this is especially true if the scholarship is non-academic, such as one for sports or volunteering. To make the right impression on scholarship committees, letters should include insight into your character and aspirations. Here are the key components for an effective letter of recommendation:

• Recommender’s relationship with the student, including how long they’ve known each other
• Student’s academic accomplishments and how they participate in the classroom (if an academic scholarship)
• Student’s personal qualities, including work ethic and character, especially as it relates to the specific scholarship (i.e. a scholarship for students overcoming adversity should highlight this aspect of their character)
• Specific examples of the student’s achievements, especially as it relates to the specific scholarship

By choosing the right teacher or authority figure to ask for a recommendation, and providing them with comprehensive information about your academic and extracurricular achievements, you can boost your odds of receiving a letter that makes the right impression on a scholarship committee.

Looking for tips on extracurricular excellence? At CollegeVine, we created a free chancing engine that considers an array of factors, including extracurriculars, academics, test scores, and more to give you insight into your odds of gaining acceptance to your dream school. Use our Chancing Calculator to assess your odds of getting into your dream college and then take steps to improve your chances. Sign up for your free CollegeVine account today to get a jumpstart on your college strategy!

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How To Write A Good Recommendation Letter For Scholarship Application (8 Sample Examples PDF)

Published: 02 Sep 2020 Scholarship Application 19,324 views

Hey! Is your niece, mentee, student or friend seeking for your help in writing a recommendation letter for student scholarship but don't know how to start? Worry not. Here we present to you a thorough guide on how to construct a mind - boggling recommendation letter for scholarship award . It may sound herculean but with the appropriate guidance, writing a reference letter for scholarship will be a walk in the park. So these are the following pressing issues to understand pertaining to recommendation letter for scholar:

• What is a Scholarship Recommendation letter?
• Parts of Recommendation letter
• What you should NOT include in a recommendation letter
• Letter formatting for a recommendation letter
• Examples of recommendation letter for scholarship
• Recommendation letter from mentor
• Recommendation letter from teacher
• Recommendation letter for Masters Scholarship
• Recommendation letter from friend
• Recommendation letter for college scholarship
• Recommendation letter from church / pastor

If you are a student and you haven't gotten a scholarship yet, checkout our  list of ongoing scholarships you can apply for.

What is a Scholarship Recommendation Letter?

Simply put, a recommendation letter for scholarship or otherwise called an endorsement letter for scholarship, is a formal statement that provides information as regards the qualifications, experiences, skills and achievements of a scholarship candidate. It could be a recommendation letter for phd scholarship . The letter is written by someone of greater authority. It could be the candidate's teacher, lawyer, mentor, pastor or parent.

The purpose of such a letter is more than a recommendation for scholarship. It is to convince the University board that the candidate is eligible to win the award. It is expected that the author of the recommendation letter is well acquainted with the selection criteria of the University. Specifically, he /she has to ensure that the requirements and the expected qualifications of the university match the werewithals of the student. The letter should sound purposeful and aim at persuading the committee that the student is the awarder they have been looking for.

Parts of a Scholarship Recommendation Letter

So for the recommendation letter to hit success, one has to read the application standards over and over again. This will help in obstructing any form of deviation or unnecessary information.

Specifically, there are five (5) parts of a scholarship recommendation letter.

Introduction

Restatement of scholarship application criteria, supportive examples.

Just like every other ordinary letter, there must be a head section that depicts the date, full name, title (if any), University name, street address, city state and zip code.

This is the paragraph where you introduce the student and the scholarship he / she is applying for. Here you are asked to describe the relationship you have with the candidate and the length at which you know the student's competency. The introduction doesn't have to be long. Two or three sentences would suffice.

As the title implies, you are to briefly restate the requirements of the committee and match them with the strengths and capabilities of the student. This is where you convince the board that the candidate's application is worth considering. You can back up your claim with grades or general academic performance. Four to five sentences would be enough to make up this part.

Based on the third section of the recommendation letter, you are expected to produce examples that confirm the competences and qualifications of the student earlier mentioned. For example if the second paragraph mentions that he/she wishes to study Human resource management, you can present the various recruitment  projects that the candidate has undertaken and taken and awards that were received. Since financial needs are the major reason why students apply for scholarship , this is the part where you buttress the candidate's financial concerns.

Here, you are expected to leave a profound impression that would demonstrate your confidence on the eligibility of the candidate. You are expected to state your endorsement and invite the committee to contact either by email or telephone.

What you should NOT include in a Scholarship Recommendation Letter

Now the sections earlier described are quite legible. But there are some errors one may commit that would not appeal to the taste of the committee. If neglected, they can pose a great threat to the short listing of the candidate in question. Here are five (5) things that you should not do when writing a recommendation letter.

Don't repeat your resume

You are not supposed to reemphasize the resume of the candidate. Especially after completing a scholarship essay and attaching a CV at an earlier stage. A recommendation letter should simply describe the character, values, motivation and future goals of the student.

Dont' generalise the content

A generalized recommendation letter leaves much to be desired. You may be tempted to describe the person with vague adjectives such as tenacious, hardworking and optimistic. But these adjectives would fall on deaf ears if there are not supported by examples.

Don't construct a short letter

A short recommendation letter might leave a bad impression for the committee. It would only show that the efforts of the author weren't much or worse still, that the author doesn't heartily endorse the candidate. Your letter should have the length that shows how knowledgeable you are of the candidate you support.

Don't exaggerate

When someone lies in a resume or a letter, a professional reader can detect it. While it feels good to blow your trumpet, focus on human values such as honesty, kindness or hard work. It would make a greater impact on the person you are presenting.

Don't send the letter without proofreading

Proofreading is as important as composing a letter. So don't neglect it. Minor errors can tarnish the impression that the letter is supposed to give. Keep in mind that formatting and avoidance of grammatical blunders are also included.

Recommendation Letter Format for Scholarship

Just like every formal letter, writing a scholarship recommendation letter means that it has to be in a professional format. This format will go a long way in turning your letter into a magnificent, readable piece of art.

Here is what you should do:

A scholarship recommendation letter should:

• Fill an entire page
• Contain 300 - 500 words
• Entail a letterhead, an introduction, two paragraphs and conclusion
• Adopt a font size of 12 - 14
• Employ Times New Roman, Arial or Calibri fonts
• Have Sender's address and dates to the right hand
• Have Receiver's address to the left side
• Begin with a courteous greeting such as Sir/ Madam
• Use "To Whom it may Concern "

Sample Recommendation Letter For Scholarship Application

Here is a scholarship recommendation letter template from Scholarshiptab with the above footprint. Below is a sample endorsement letter for scholarship application:

Mabel Rodrigs,

29, Frontstreet Avenue,

Ottawa, Canada,

30 - August - 2020

Admission Board of Toronto Business School,

University of Toronto,

Toronto, Canada,

Dear Sir / Madam,

I write in full support of Emmanuel  Patrick' s application of scholarship of  Masters in International Industrial Relations. I lectured him in Human Resource Management in his second year of undergraduate studies. My experience with this individual has been joyous. It has propelled me to endorse him as an eligible candidate of the scholarship. I am highly convinced that Emmanuel Patrick would never let you down.

The more I perused the scholarship criteria, the more certain I was that Emmanuel is the student you have been seeking. Emmanuel has been a top student in all his courses - including the one I taught. He displayed team building skills, tenacity, a great sense of critical thinking and hard work. His behavior has unveiled that his deepest values are respect, diligence and self discipline. Emmanuel 's academic performance has always been outstanding.

Once, I gave my students a project assignment to execute in different groups. Emmanuel's group performance on "The Relevance of Industrial Relations in the 21st century" was magnificent. Patrick helped his teammates in making thorough research and backing up the claims with quantitative and qualitative examples.

Another facet of Emmanuel that fascinates me is his passion for whatever is right. I once made an erroneous statement in class. During the break, Emmanuel respectfully sought for my attention to express why he felt I was wrong in class. It turned out that I had made a mistake. I corrected my argument the next day in class and publicly applauded for paying such a detailed attention. His financial status currently affects his ability to pay tuition fees. Nevertheless, this scholarship is the opportunity that meets preparation.

With no regrets, I endorse and recommend Emmanuel Patrick to win the scholarship award. His academic performance will leave you mesmerized. And his fervor for diligence confirms his trustworthiness and accountability. For further information, kindly contact me at [email protected]

Mabel Rodrigs.

It might interest you to know that the above spectacular sample recommendation letter for scholarship is downloadable. Click on scholarship recommendation letter for pdf  to download the sample recommendation letter for student scholarship.

Sample Reference letters for scholarship Application

As earlier mentioned, a recommendation letter for bursary can be written by anyone of authority and character. However, you may be confused as to how to tailor the content of the letter with the relationship you hold with the candidate. If that's the case, don't worry! Here are some sample request for letter of recommendation for scholarship depending on your role in the person's life.

Scholarship Recommendation Letter from Employer

Download sample scholarship recommendation letter from employer (pdf)  

Scholarship Recommendation Letter from Professor

Download sample scholarship recommendation letter from professor (pdf)

Scholarship Recommendation Letter from a mentor

Download sample scholarship recommendation letter from a mentor (pdf)

Scholarship Recommendation Letter from a Teacher  

Download sample scholarship recommendation letter from a teacher (pdf)

Scholarship Recommendation Letter for student masters scholarship

Download sample scholarship recommendation letter for masters (pdf)

Checkout list of ongoing masters scholarships you can apply for

Scholarship Recommendation Letter from a friend

Download sample scholarship recommendation letter from a friend (pdf)

Church recommendation letter for scholarship, download sample scholarship recommendation letter from church (pdf).

If you are the person who is asked to endorse a student, you are in good hands. The above scholarship reference letter examples are an excellent guide to navigate the way you compose your letter. If you are a student in search of who to endorse you or a reference for scholarship, this article will help you to determine who is competent enough to write your personal letter of recommendation for scholarship. For more scholarship tips and updates, visit our blog page .

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How to Write Scholarship Recommendation Letter (Tips, Template, Examples)

Academic and professional letters of recommendation are decisive in many admission processes for international study programs and several scholarship calls. That is why I will give you the best advice that has helped me and my clients study and win scholarships abroad.

What is a letter of recommendation for Scholarship?

The letters of recommendation or references in academic processes and scholarships are a document in which a third party describes  who he is, explains how he knows you and gives the reasons why he recommends you for the respective study or scholarship program.

In this way, the institution or the scholarship provider seeks a second opinion on what you propose, and thus verify your character and your performance. In other words, the main function of the recommendation letter is to corroborate the information you have given in other documents (such as the  CV  and the  Motivation Letter  ) and obtain additional information about your profile.

Who should write Recommendation Letter for Scholarship?

Unlike what is generally believed, letters of recommendation need not be written by “important people” such as the dean of the faculty or the general manager of the company with whom you have worked.

Institutions want letters from  people who have had direct contact with you and know your personality and performance firsthand . Therefore, when choosing a reference, it is best to opt for professors, thesis supervisors, bosses or in some cases co-workers.

NOTE:  These people may not know how to write a letter, want to make sure they give you what you need and / or don’t have the time to write it. Therefore you will be asked to give them guidance and even in some cases that you write recommendation letter and make them read and sign later. Therefore, you can share and / or take into account the following tips:

Header Tips for Recommendation Letter

Recent date:  Avoid delivering letters that you have previously requested for other calls and that are generic.

Title or motive:  “Letter of Recommendation” or “Reference”

Targeted specifically to the program / scholarship provider:  The letter of recommendation must explicitly state for whom it is demonstrating personalization and importance. That is why it is important to avoid things like: “To whom it may concern.” Some good examples are:

• “Colleagues of the Faculty of Economic Sciences …”
• “Members of the admissions committee….”
• “University of ….”

Content Tips for Recommendation Letter

Your letter of recommendation should contain the following elements:

Reason:  The person who recommends you explains the reasons why you are going and explicitly mentions the program to which he is recommending you.

Who he is and how he knows you:  The person who recommends you should mention his position, the institution he works with and the relationship he has with you. For example:

• “As a teacher of the course of International Relations of the National University …”
• “David was my student for the class of…”

Description of the program or work:  It is important that the reference contextualizes the reader about the nature of the program or the work performed by the person whom he recommends. And in this way give it the importance it deserves. For example:

• “The Mechanical Engineering program requires about 20 hours of study …”
• “Teamwork is essential to develop these activities …”
• “It’s a position with a lot of responsibility since …”

The reasons why he recommends you: Very related to the previous one, here the person who recommends you describes your personality, academic and / or professional skills that make you the ideal candidate for the program to which you are applying. For example:

• “Pepe showed … and good handling of… .. ”
• “During the time that Juana worked with me, she stood out for her…. Y ….”
• “I recognize Pepe as a person….,…. Y …..”
• “Joan managed …”

Recommendation reinforcement:  In the final part of the letter the person who recommends you should emphasize that you are the right person for the program you are applying with things like:

• “I’m sure Pepe will bring great value to the program of … … and university x”
• “I strongly believe that Juana… ..”
• “He is also … and …”

For more information and dismissal:   It is a good idea that the person who recommends you is open to answer questions by the selection committee and therefore must demonstrate it at the end of the letter with things like:

• “For more questions, do not hesitate to contact me”
• “I will be willing to solve the questions you may have”

Tips to get very good letters of recommendation for scholarship

Ask for them in time:  The people who are going to write your letter of recommendation will most likely have several responsibilities and therefore will need at least 1 month to write your letter of motivation. Keep that time in mind and the application deadline so you can send all the complete documentation on time.

Share your CV and motivation letter to these people:  Ideally, the people who are going to write your letter of recommendation know what you have done and your motivation to be part of the program to which you apply. Therefore it is highly recommended that you meet with them to share your experience and plans, or to share documents such as your curriculum vitae and motivation letter.

For academic recommendation letters:  If you graduated more than 2 years ago and have not kept in touch with your professors, you must be very careful in the person you choose to serve as a reference and the way you approach him to ask for it.

You can think of teachers with whom you stood out or with whom you had the greatest contact so that when you contact them and tell them that it is you, they can remember you more easily.  

I recommend that  before asking anything you make some initial contacts to resume the relationship  . You can achieve this through an email, a phone call or even a personal visit to update the person in what you have done during the time that has passed, tell them your plans to continue your studies and ask about their opinion.

Formatting Tips for Scholarship Recommendation Letter

It complies with the guidelines that you are asked for:  For example, in some cases the institution may ask you that the letter of recommendation be in a previously defined format, that it be written by specific people and / or that it be sent in a sealed envelope. If so, follow those instructions because they are application requirements that, if not met, can mean your immediate disqualification. 

Language:  If it is for an English program, it is ideal that it be written in that language and that the person serving as a reference can answer questions in that language. However, it is not mandatory that it be handled in this way because you can attach an official translation to your letter of recommendation.

Size:  It is recommended that the letter of recommendation be between 1 and maximum 1.5 pages in   Times New Roman  ,   Arial   or   Calibri  , size 12 and with normal spacing and margins. This way you make sure it is concrete but descriptive enough.  

Letterhead:  Ideally, the letter should be written on a letterhead of the institution to which the teacher belongs or the organization where your boss works. This gives the document more formality and therefore more confidence.

Contact information:  The letter must clearly include the telephone, postal address and email of the person who recommends you. In this way, the evaluating institution is given the opportunity to contact the person who recommends you to verify the information.

Letter of Recommendation Template

To Whom It May Concern:

It is my pleasure to strongly recommend [Applicant Name] for [position with Company Name or acceptance to Institution Name].

I am [Your Name], a [your position] at [Institution or Company]. I have [number] years of experience working in [your industry or academic focus] and have seen many young professionals come and go. [Applicant Name] is one individual I have worked with who uniquely stands out.

During our time together, [Applicant Name] displayed great talents in [skill, trait, experience, class, etc.]. When we first met, I was immediately impressed with [Applicant’s Name], but during the time we worked together, her understanding of [key topic] grew far more than that of her peers.

[Insert personal story elaborating on key skills, trait, experience].

It’s not just her technical skills that impress me, however. [Applicant Name] was a joy to work with because of her amazingly positive attitude and [positive trait]. Her [positive trait] and [positive trait] were also necessary and valued not just by myself, but by her peers, who often relied on her to get the job done.

I am absolutely confident that [Applicant Name] would be a great fit for your [Institution/Company]. Not only will she bring the kind of skills and experiences you’re looking for in an applicant, but she will also quickly become an asset and help your [Institution/Company] grow in any way she can.

If you need more information or specific examples, please do not hesitate to contact me at [contact information]. As a recommendation letter likely only provides a snapshot of her talents and achievements, I would be happy to further elaborate on my time working with her.

Sincerely, [Your Name, Company, and Title]

Recommendation Letter Example

March 17, 2021

College Scholars Program

University of Tennessee 123 Business Rd. Business City, NY 54321

It is with much enthusiasm that I recommend Joe Bloom for inclusion in the College Scholars Program at the University of Tennessee.

I was Joe’s instructor for multiple English classes during his four years at Morristown-Hamblen High School, including AP English his junior year. In our classes, Joe displayed a level of creativity, wit, and analytical thought that is quite rare among high school students.

His writing and research skills are truly phenomenal – for his major essay project in AP English, he researched and wrote a remarkable study of visual imagery in the works of Edgar Allan Poe.

Joe’s wide-ranging intellect is such that he would be bored by most freshman- and sophomore-level Liberal Arts courses. He is ready to assume and excel in upper division classwork, and possesses the self-motivation to successfully create and execute an independent course of honors study.

Joe’s academic strengths are complemented by his demonstrated leadership skills – he was our band’s drum major for two years and served as Vice President of the Student Council and Editor of our high school yearbook. He is also very active in his church and in the Sierra Student Coalition.

Please let me know if I can provide any more information to strengthen Joe’s candidacy for the College Scholars Program.

He has a very special spark, and I trust he will go far in making our world a better place.

Jane Evans (signature hard copy letter)

• Applying For Scholarships

Write Your Own Epic Scholarship Recommendation Letter (2022-2023)

Jennifer Finetti Aug 30, 2022

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A recommendation letter may be requested when applying to colleges, applying to scholarships, or when applying for jobs. Having strong recommendation letters can make a big difference, so it’s important to understand how to ensure that your letters stand out.

In the ideal scenario, your recommender should write the letter themselves. Yet, you might discover that the professors and mentors who you relate to the most are ALSO the ones with the least time. As a result, they may ask you to write the first draft yourself.

In this post, we’ll go over some tips for writing a stellar letter of recommendation for yourself.

Step 1: Find the right person 

So, if you’ve developed a great relationship with your professor, mentor or supervisor, it’s time to ask for a letter of recommendation . Ideally, it’s best to ask for a recommendation from someone who knows you well and would be excited to support your higher education plans.

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Hopefully, this person will be able to take the time to write you a custom letter, tailored to showcase your talents, passions, intellect, compassion, and more. But sometimes, your chosen recommender might ask you to write the first draft yourself. This not only saves your recommender’s time, but it also can help ensure that your letter covers everything you want to highlight about yourself.

Step 2: Brainstorm ideas

The idea of writing your own letter of recommendation might be a bit scary. Yet, it gives you the opportunity to ensure that the letter showcases everything you want an admission or scholarship reviewer to know about you.

A good place to start is creating an outline for your letter. Divide it into sections – the introduction, body and conclusion, and make a list of bullet points you will cover in each section. Make sure not to include anything your recommender wouldn’t reasonably know about you based on your relationship.

Step 3: Preparing to write your first draft

One of the hardest parts about writing your own letter is that it feels uncomfortable to “toot your own horn.” To help with this, show your outline to your parents or other adults who know you well. Ask for input, as that person might notice that you have “undersold” yourself.

Being modest and humble are positive traits. Still, in a letter this important, you must say enough to convince the readers that you are a deserving candidate.

Step 4: First paragraph – how they know you

In the first paragraph of your letter, you’ll need to convey your relationship with your recommender to set the stage for the rest of the letter. You’ll also want to be sure to incorporate a positive statement about how or why that person feels you are the right candidate for admission or for the scholarship.

Step 5: Qualities and examples

In the next section of the letter, you’ll want to expand on your recommender’s experience with you. It would be helpful to incorporate meaningful events that happened as they taught you. Did you seek extra help when you didn’t understand a concept? Did you show any leadership qualities? This is the place to include that information as long as it’s a truthful reflection of your relationship with your recommender.

Step 6: Write the conclusion

This final step can show the admissions officers or scholarship review committee that the recommender believes in your abilities and fully endorses you, which may influence their decision to select you.

Step 7: Submit first draft to recommender

When you submit your draft to your recommender, let them know that this is truly a “first draft,” and encourage them to change the letter as needed. This will allow them to understand that their input is welcomed, and give them the opportunity to adjust the content if needed. You may discover that your recommender wants to add even more glowing commentary about you, which will definitely go in your favor.

Finally, you should instruct the reference on how to submit the letter. Be sure to tell them about all the requirements, including correct format, and where and when to send it. In some cases, they will need to submit the letter through a recommender portal that is part of the application process.

A sample scholarship recommendation letter

To Whom It May Concern, It is my great pleasure to recommend Maria for the HENAAC Scholarship. I got to know Maria as her 11th grade AP biology teacher at Mark Twain High School. Maria was also a member of the science club which I am the head of, during her sophomore, junior, and senior year. From the first day of class, Maria impressed me greatly with her focus and determination. She never hesitated to ask for help when the course material wasn’t clear and would stay after school for additional assistance. She showed great interest in the course and her passion for the field of science is evident. I was also very impressed by the way she worked with her classmates. Maria got along well with everyone. She is both caring, respectful, and patient. She often sat with other students who needed extra help and explained to them the concepts they didn’t understand. Maria is enrolled at the University of Michigan and will be starting in the fall of 2022. She plans to major in biology. It is her hopes and dreams to go to medical school following her undergraduate degree. There is no doubt in my mind that Maria will succeed in whatever she path she chooses to take. She was one of my most motivated students who never succumbed to the pressure of school work and external commitments.   Maria comes from a family of immigrants and will be the first one in her family to get a college degree. Her parents work very hard to support the family, but finances are a big strain on her family. Maria worked at a coffee shop during all four years of high school as well as babysat to help her parents out. She also helped take care of her brother who is 6 years younger than her. Maria is very proud of her Hispanic roots. She was a member of the Hispanic club for all four years of high school. She hopes to encourage other Hispanic students to go to college and enter the field of science. Her hard work and effort will get her very far in life and there is no doubt in my mind that she will succeed. She is very deserving of this scholarship and will greatly contribute to any community that she’s a part of. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions at [email protected]. Sincerely, Julie Randalls

Admissions officers and scholarship review committees are looking for students with impressive academic, personal, and social skills who will succeed in college and beyond. A strong recommendation letter may tip the scales in your favor when it comes to getting admitted or getting the scholarship you are applying for.

If you are asked to write the first draft yourself, it may feel a bit uncomfortable, but remember that by doing so, you’ll have better control over exactly what you would like your letter to communicate. And that might be exactly what you need to boost your chances of getting into your desired college and/or receiving a scholarship!

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Jennifer Finetti

As a parent who recently helped her own kids embark on their college journeys, Jennifer approaches the transition from high school to college from a unique perspective. She truly enjoys engaging with students – helping them to build the confidence, knowledge, and insight needed to pursue their educational and career goals, while also empowering them with the strategies and skills needed to access scholarships and financial aid that can help limit college costs. She understands the importance of ensuring access to the edtech tools and resources that can make this process easier and more equitable - this drive to support underserved populations is what drew her to ScholarshipOwl. Jennifer has coached students from around the world, as well as in-person with local students in her own community. Her areas of focus include career exploration, major selection, college search and selection, college application assistance, financial aid and scholarship consultation, essay review and feedback, and more. She works with students who are at the top of their class, as well as those who are struggling. She firmly believes that all students, regardless of their circumstances, can succeed if they stay focused and work hard in school. Jennifer earned her MA in Counseling Psychology from National University, and her BA in Psychology from University of California, Santa Cruz.

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How to Write a Good Scholarship Letter of Recommendation (3 Sample Letters)

Table of Contents

If you look at our list of Chegg scholarships for college students, most sponsors ask applicants to submit a scholarship letter of recommendation. In fact, why does this document matter? And, how do you come up with a good one?

In fact, a scholarship letter of recommendation helps round out your students’ profiles. Furthermore, it provides insight into what they are like as a student and person from the perspective of someone who has worked closely with them during their high school career.

Besides, the letter speaks to their academic strengths and interests, their personal qualities, their role in their school community, and their potential direction in the future. Whether you talk about it explicitly or not, a positive letter also suggests their ability to get along with their teachers and others in your school.

Below, you’ll find some of the industry’s best tricks on how you should craft a good scholarship letter of recommendation.

How to Write a Good Scholarship Letter of Recommendation

If you need to write a letter of recommendation for a student, follow this guide to understand what to include and how to structure the letter:

1. Ask the Student for Academic Information

First, request a list of your student’s academic accomplishments, extracurricular activities, and GPA. Also, inquire about the scholarship program to which they are applying. This information will assist you in customizing the letter to the program they are applying for.

Keep in mind that you aim to be an advocate for your student and to encourage and celebrate their achievements.

Also, you can talk with the student and learn more about why he/she is applying, what he/she wants to accomplish, and what he/she hopes to benefit from the experience. In your scholarship letter of recommendation, you may express your thoughts on this detail.

2. Address Your Letter Accordingly

In fact, correctly addressing the letter ensures that it reaches the intended recipient and also makes the advice seem more tailored to the reader. Hence, you may want to inquire with the student about the person to whom the letter should be sent. Also, make sure to ask about their position in the application process as well.

On the other hand, if your student does not have a particular person to whom you can deliver the message, you may also send your suggestion to the human resources department of a sponsor.

Keep the letter generic if your student is applying for several scholarships. Still, aim to highlight their relevant qualities. You may use this information to highlight the student’s accomplishments in a specific area. Next, provide an example of one of the student’s outstanding projects or awards.

3. Introduce Yourself and Your Qualifications

Your authority as the student’s teacher provides the sponsor with valuable insight into the applicant. As a result, you must state who you are and how you are eligible to speak on behalf of the student at the start of your letter.

Furthermore, you must include your job title, as well as the subject or course you taught the student. Alternatively, you may specify your position as the organizer of a club or extracurricular activity in which the student participated, particularly if you’ve never had them in class before.

4. Include Details about Your Academic Relationship with the Student

Next, continue your introduction by describing how long and in what capacity you’ve known the student. This item may be a direct extension of your job title, indicating your role in the academic career of the student.

Besides, you can talk about your first observations of the student and how you’ve seen him/her develop into the well-rounded student he/she is now. For this purpose, consider expressing your impressions of the student in terms of how they amazed or pleased you in class, on assignments, and in other academic settings.

5. Highlight the Student’s Qualifications with Examples

Many organizations are on the lookout for people who can help them develop and change. As a result, think about who will be reading your letter of recommendation. Then, provide examples and details of how the student will support the business or organization.

Additionally, demonstrate their future success by mentioning their contributions to your school. You can draw your examples from their resume or academic information, including items such as:

• Academic excellence, such as improved or maintained grades
• Competitions, awards, and recognitions
• Individual or group projects
• Leadership roles, such as captain of a team or president of a club
• Presentations and public speaking opportunities
• Volunteering

6. Conclude Your Letter

Finally, end your letter by restating your support for the student’s credentials. In addition, you can also offer to stay available if the reader has any further questions about your recommendation or experience with the student.

Also, have a few ways for them to contact you, such as a phone number where you can be reached and your email address. In fact, this final move will demonstrate to the sponsor that you are confident in the student’s abilities. Additionally, it shows that you support him/her for the scholarship program, which will affect their decision to choose him/her.

A Structure of Good Letter of Recommendation

Each scholarship letter of recommendation you write will be personalized to the specific student you’re writing about, but many of these letters follow a similar template. Here’s everything that you should include in your scholarship letter of recommendation:

1. Introduction

As with recommendations for college, you should begin by stating who you’re recommending, how you know him/her and in what contexts, and what makes you qualified to give your assessment.

If you’ve known the student in different contexts, like as both his/her teacher and club advisor or coach, then you should say so. Further, this shows that you know him/her well and have seen how he/she interacts and performs in different roles and environments.

2. Body of the Letter: Why the Student Deserves the Scholarship

Once your introduction incorporates these elements – a strong statement of support and an explanation of who you are and how you know the student – then you can move into your assessment. Hence, you should highlight the student’s primary strengths, again, making sure to tailor your evaluation to the specific scholarship.

If the scholarship is focusing on academic achievement, then a statement of high ranking from an established teacher could go a long way. For starters, stating that the student is one of the top three you’ve taught in twenty years or the best student in his/her class suggests that he/she is an outstanding applicant who will likely continue to excel in college.

Ultimately, you want to make the student stand out as a motivated individual. Therefore, the scholarship donors would want to invest in. For instance, you may emphasize his/her:

• Unique commitment,

Next, show them how his/her contributions in high school predict his/her continued pursuits in college.

Finally, show them that the student deserves the scholarship and that you have no doubt he/she will put it to good use.

3. Your Contact Information and Signature

At the end of your letter, you can give your contact information and invite the scholarship committee to get in touch with any further questions. Ultimately, if you’ve provided a complete, glowing picture of the student, then they should have all the information they need. On the other hand, you can get inspiration from the following three samples of recommendation letters. This works effectively if you’re running out of fresh ideas.

3 Examples of Scholarship Letter of Recommendation

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Your chance of acceptance, your chancing factors, extracurriculars, writing a strong scholarship recommendation letter.

Hi all! My teacher asked me to provide some guidance on what she should include in a scholarship recommendation letter for me. What makes a letter really stand out, and what should she focus on to make it convincing? Your advice would be really helpful!

A well-written scholarship recommendation letter can make a significant difference in your chances of receiving the scholarship. To make sure the letter stands out and effectively highlights your strengths, your teacher should consider including the following elements:

1. Specific examples of your achievements: A convincing letter doesn't just provide general compliments, but offers concrete examples of your accomplishments in the classroom, extracurricular activities, or community service. Encourage your teacher to mention projects or assignments where you excelled, or instances where you demonstrated exceptional leadership or teamwork.

2. Personal anecdotes: Personal stories can help paint a vivid picture of your character and make your recommendation more memorable. Encourage your teacher to share anecdotes that demonstrate qualities such as your work ethic, determination, creativity, or kindness.

3. Context and comparison: Your teacher can elevate the impact of your accomplishments by putting them into context and comparing you to your peers. For example, they might mention how your performance on a project ranked among the best they have seen in their years of teaching.

4. Connection to scholarship criteria: It's important that your teacher connects your strengths and accomplishments with the specific criteria of the scholarship. This will help show the scholarship committee why you're a suitable candidate for the award.

Don't forget to send your teacher a list of your extracurricular activities, community service, achievements, and future goals so they have all the necessary information to write a compelling letter. Best of luck!

About CollegeVine’s Expert FAQ

CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.

How to Write a Scholarship Letter of Recommendation

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What Is a Recommendation Letter for a Scholarship?

Purpose of the recommendation letter, recommendation letter format, tips for writing a scholarship recommendation letter, recommendation letter example, frequently asked questions about scholarship recommendation letters.

Have you been asked to write a scholarship letter of recommendation? The compliment is a flattering reflection of how you impacted that student's life.

Sometimes, students applying to scholarships are required to submit recommendation letters for their student scholarship application to be processed successfully.

A letter of recommendation should address the academic performance of a student and their character traits , including the qualities that make them a strong candidate for the scholarship program or grant they desire. For instance, if they are applying for an opportunity for students pursuing literary studies, then a good letter will discuss the student's written skills as well as their passion for literature.

To convince a scholarship committee that a student deserves the scholarship they're applying for, you must go beyond stating how great their personal character is and demonstrate what makes them an outstanding applicant. A positive letter of recommendation will be able to validate a student's qualifications to receive a scholarship and help that student stand out.

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College students depend on scholarships to pay for higher education . Both high school and college students experience difficulty when finding scholarships. Scholarship applications have become more competitive, increasing the importance of scholarship recommendation letters. So, what are they?

A scholarship letter of recommendation is a letter created by someone typically in a position of authority, like a professor, that can attest to a student's abilities. The letters follow flexible guidelines demonstrating why students deserve the scholarship they wish to receive.

Most scholarships that have precise requirements and request letters of recommendation want to learn about the student in question to determine if they should receive their scholarship. A student gets scholarships based on several factors, but recommendation letters increase the chances of a student being awarded.

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A college student or high school student in their senior year may ask their instructor, athletic coach, or club advisor to write a letter of recommendation.

Many scholarships want a trusted source to prove why a candidate is deserving , and to speak on the student's qualifications and explain why the student deserves the specific scholarship, you need to know the purpose of the recommendation letter.

Knowing what the scholarship is for will allow you to tailor your recommendation letter and focus on relevant qualities the student has that make them a deserving candidate. Be sure to address the committee and the purpose of the scholarship. Request specific details and information to help you create a letter to endorse the student.

Reference letters help deserving students win the scholarships they need to pay for college. Not sure how to write a letter of recommendation? Don't worry! Below are things you'll want to include in your recommendation letters.

Recommenders should include the following information in the upper left corner of their recommendation letter:

• Institution name
• Official address
• City, state, and zip code
• Preferred contact information

Introduction

The introduction incorporates a brief introduction of your student; it specifies the chosen scholarship for which they are applying and comprises details about the student, including the nature and length of your relationship.

The body of the scholarship letter of recommendation will describe the student's strengths and how the candidate fulfills the scholarship requirements. Writing about quantitative examples such as test scores and academic achievements will help the student's application stand out. A student's accomplishments show they're a motivated individual with a great work ethic.

After expressing that the student is suitable for the scholarship, begin writing about concrete examples that support your claims. Mention any extracurricular activities and whether the student is an active participant in school leadership or clubs. You're writing on behalf of the student and want to demonstrate why they're the best candidate for this scholarship.

Include anything relevant to the scholarship the student is applying for, and illustrate why they are the best student for the opportunity.

The concluding paragraph should include a strong statement emphasizing your endorsement of the student and a reiteration of your recommendation.

It is best to finish with a handwritten signature to authenticate the letter of recommendation.

Suppose the scholarship application is processed online; you want to include more than just your electronic signature. Though you included it earlier, reiterate your title and include a form of contact in case the committee has further questions.

Learn more writing tips from Bold's Scholarship Blog :

How to write a scholarship thank you letter

How to write a personal statement for scholarships

How to write a scholarship essay

A student will begin scholarship applications either because they are in financial need or want to lessen the amount they pay for post-secondary education. In a higher education setting, it is more common than not that a student will ask for a letter of recommendation for a college scholarship. Here are some tips to keep in mind when writing a scholarship recommendation letter.

• Be sure you know the student well enough to write on their behalf.
• Open with a formal salutation.
• Tailor your letter.
• Discuss the student's potential, talents, and skills.
• Give specific examples that validate your claims.
• Include a closing that states you're open to further questions.
• Give yourself enough time to write the recommendation letter.
• Review the letter several times
• Know when to say "no" if you're not comfortable providing a letter of recommendation.

A sample scholarship recommendation letter will help guide you in the right direction so you can start writing a solid letter of recommendation! Below is a sample recommendation letter to visualize how the above format will look.

August 09, 2022

Anastasia Smith

Literature and English Professor

School of the Arts

123 56th Street

New York, New York, 12345

Dear members of The C.B. Memorial Scholarship Committee,

It is with great enthusiasm that I write this letter in support of Jane Doe for the C.B. Memorial Scholarship. I had the pleasure of teaching Jane in her sophomore year of college in an English Literature course at the School of the Arts and have had the pleasure of working with her as my teaching assistant this past year.

As a student, Jane demonstrates academic excellence and a love of learning. As her academic records attest, Jane has maintained a 4.0 GPA during her academic studies here at the School of the Arts and continues to excel in all that she does. Ms. Doe has made the Dean's List every semester and has joined the honors program at our school. She is on the Mentorship Committee for the School of the Arts and volunteers regularly in the community. I am confident that she will continue to display the same unique commitment and diligence in everything she involves herself in. I have great respect for Jane and believe that she is a deserving student of the C.B. Memorial Scholarship, as your scholarship is intended for college students who demonstrate financial need and have excelled academically.

Jane has distinguished herself as an excellent college student with an incredible work ethic. She puts in time and effort to assist students in our class and grades assignments in a timely fashion. Jane volunteers her time to help others and is consistently working to make the community a cleaner place by hosting weekend city clean-ups. Despite Jane's financial difficulties, she has thrived as a student and in the community. She is a respectful person with ambitious leadership and astounding educational and personal goals. I am confident Jane will have a fulfilling future ahead with her motivating persistence. I can not think of anyone more deserving, and I am happy to recommend Jane for this opportunity.

Therefore, I wholeheartedly support Jane for this opportunity, not only for her leadership capabilities but also for her commitment to making an impact in the community. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions regarding this application.

Kind regards,

This sample recommendation letter is one of many ways to approach a scholarship letter of recommendation for students.

What does a scholarship committee look for?

A scholarship committee will preside over the solicitation, management, and publication of scholarship awards. Additionally, the committee drafts submission rules, ensures fairness, and evaluates submissions. Someone who exudes confidence and passion for the scholarship is attractive to the scholarship committee.

Scholarship donors typically look for students with high academic achievement, leadership skills, and/or financial need. Additionally, scholarship committees will carefully examine your communication, leadership, and teamwork skills.

Can a friend write a scholarship recommendation letter?

Letters of recommendation for scholarship applications are commonly written by teachers, volunteer work supervisors, mentors, and employers. Even though personalized letters from friends can showcase personal qualities, it is recommended that a scholarship recommendation letter comes from a professional since a personal scholarship letter does not carry the weight needed for a great letter.

Who is the best person to write a letter of recommendation?

An effective scholarship recommendation letter will be written by an established teacher or professor who can speak on the student's primary strengths and academic performance in addition to the student's character.

A teacher can speak on behalf of a student's academic performance and future success, displaying a student's abilities and encouraging the selection committee to consider the specific student over other students for the scholarship program.

How long should a recommendation letter be?

A scholarship recommendation letter should fill an entire page with the proper formatting and be approximately 300-500 words and no more than two pages . When the letter is lengthy and relevant, it will favor the candidate. Note that three-page letters are generally too long, and very short letters leave students at an unfortunate disadvantage.

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How to Ask For a Letter of Recommendation for College and Scholarships

Will Geiger is the co-founder of Scholarships360 and has a decade of experience in college admissions and financial aid. He is a former Senior Assistant Director of Admissions at Kenyon College where he personally reviewed 10,000 admissions applications and essays. Will also managed the Kenyon College merit scholarship program and served on the financial aid appeals committee. He has also worked as an Associate Director of College Counseling at a high school in New Haven, Connecticut. Will earned his master’s in education from the University of Pennsylvania and received his undergraduate degree in history from Wake Forest University.

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Caitlyn Cole is a college access professional with a decade of experience in non-profit program and project management for college readiness and access organizations.

Maria Geiger is Director of Content at Scholarships360. She is a former online educational technology instructor and adjunct writing instructor. In addition to education reform, Maria’s interests include viewpoint diversity, blended/flipped learning, digital communication, and integrating media/web tools into the curriculum to better facilitate student engagement. Maria earned both a B.A. and an M.A. in English Literature from Monmouth University, an M. Ed. in Education from Monmouth University, and a Virtual Online Teaching Certificate (VOLT) from the University of Pennsylvania.

Letters of recommendation are an important part of both the admissions and scholarship application processes. Along with  transcripts and test scores, letters of recommendation are among the most important admissions factors. But as a student, how do you ask for a letter of recommendation for college admissions and scholarships?

In my experience as an admissions officer, I have ready perhaps 15,000 recommendation letters and as a college counselor have written 100+ letters. In this post, I’ll talk about how you can get the best recommendation from the right teachers.

Related:  Scholarships360’s free scholarship search engine

Jump ahead to:

Why do letters of recommendation matter?

How to ask for a letter of recommendation, next steps after your recommendation request.

• Frequently asked questions

Let’s get started so you can get the best recommendations for your scholarship and admissions applications!

While grades and test scores tell admissions officers how you performed academically in high school, essays and recommendations tell admissions officers who you are. As we will discuss, this is why it is important for your primary recommendations to be focused on you as a student and learner (though this doesn’t necessarily mean that the recommendations should come from the classes you had the highest grades in. Most scholarships and colleges are going to be most interested in what your teachers and guidance counselors have to say.

Next, let’s talk about how to ask for a letter or recommendation from your teachers and guidance counselors.

Don’t miss:  How many colleges should I apply to?

Now that we have discussed what a letter of recommendation is and why they matter, let’s dive into how you can ask your teachers for a letter of recommendation.

Choose teachers from your junior year

College admissions officers are looking for recommendation letters that are recent. This means that students should focus on teachers they had during junior year. In some cases, it can be okay to choose a non-junior year teacher who knows you really well and who you’ve had for a few semesters, but I’d always defer to the teacher you’ve had more recently. Senior year can work too, but remember that you might not have enough time to get to know your teacher (this can be especially tricky if you intend to apply anywhere Early Decision or Early Action ).

When you approach your teachers for recommendations, you should always frame it as a question and not assume that a teacher will write for you. I used to advise my high school students to email their teacher and ask if they can chat with them briefly after class.

Your email can look something like this:

Hi Mr. Smith,

I was wondering if it would be possible to speak to you briefly after class on Tuesday? I have a quick question to ask you regarding a letter of recommendation. If you are busy Tuesday, I can make another time work as well.

Thanks so much,

Related:  When should I apply for college?

Focus on teachers that know you really well

One of the biggest mistakes that students make is only focusing on grades. Instead, think about the teachers who know you really well as a student. This is why it is so important to get to know your teachers inside and outside of class. A strong recommendation letter will not simply state that:

John was an A student and did well on his tests.

Instead, it will describe the type of scholar, thinker, researcher, and classmate you are. Remember, if your teachers write comments about you at the end of the semester or marking period, this can give you a glimpse of how they might talk about you.

Related:  How to write a scholarship cover letter

Align your recommendation letters to your areas of academic interest

When college admissions officers are reading recommendations, they are imagining you as a student on their campus. Ideally, your recommendations should support your intended academic interest.

For example, say you are an intended English major, at least one of your recommendations should be from an English teacher. If you are an aspiring engineer, you should have a recommendation from a math or science teacher, and so on. Generally, you should be seeking recommendation letters from teachers in two separate academic disciplines. This advice is also true for students who are undecided on their major.

Related:  How to choose a college

Ask your teachers by the end of junior year

Some teachers like to write recommendation letters over the summer, so it is a nice courtesy to ask them to write a recommendation letter before the summer starts. The other upside to this is that you will secure your recommendations early. Some teachers will have a “cap” on the number of recommendations they will write, so this will guarantee that you can secure recommendations from your top teachers.

If you are in a situation where a teacher can’t write you a recommendation, don’t get discouraged! Thank them and identify another teacher who might be able to write for you. If you are having trouble with this, your school counselor can be a good person to ask for advice.

Offer to provide additional information

A really smart move for you to consider is to offer to sit down with your teacher or guidance counselor for a conversation before they write the recommendation. Some teachers or guidance counselors may even ask you to complete a questionnaire or survey or send them a copy of your resume. Either way, it is important to be clear that you are available to give them additional information.

Also read:  How to start a scholarship essay

Your work is not done after asking for your recommendations! There are still a few steps left!

Double-check to ensure that your recommendation is submitted

It’s always better to be safe than sorry. That’s why you should keep your eye on your status portals for scholarships or college admissions to ensure that your rec letters are submitted. If you are concerned that your recommendation has not been submitted, you can send your recommender a quick note to ask if they need anything else from you for the letter. This can be a good way to nudge your teacher or school counselor.

When in doubt, you can also call or email the admissions office to check in on the status of the recommendation letter.

Don’t forget to thank your recommendations

Recommendations are time consuming, hard work. Be sure to send a thank you to your recommendation writers (bonus points for writing a hand-written thank you card!).

Also read:  When to apply for scholarships

Frequently asked questions about asking for a recommendation

Can i use the same recommendations for scholarships and admissions, how many recommendations should i ask for, can i get a recommendation from a non-academic source, what if the college website says that letters of recommendation are optional, what if i’m new to my school and don’t know who to ask for a recommendation, can my family members or friends write a letter of recommendation for me.

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Sat / act prep online guides and tips, complete guide: writing a strong letter of recommendation.

Letters of Recommendation

As an English teacher and college counselor working with high school students, I've had the privilege and responsibility of writing letters of recommendation. Starting out, I had a strong urge to help, but no clear sense of what exactly should go into a reference letter. If they all speak to students' impressive qualities and accomplishments, what makes some letters stand out among the rest?

To answer this question, I researched recommendation letters from both sides of the college process, drawing on the advice of high school counselors and teachers and the perspective of college admissions officers. I also read dozens of recommendation letters, from the ones that admissions committees loved to the ones that were cast aside as mediocre, useless, or straight up negative about a student.

This article compiles the most important lessons I learned through this research and my own work supporting students through the college process. Read on for a discussion of what exactly needs to go into the kind of rec letter that effectively advocates for a student and boosts her admissions chances.

First, let's take a deeper look at what purpose recommendation letters serve when they arrive before an admissions committee.

The Goal: What's the Purpose of Letters of Recommendation?

Admissions officers put a lot of weight on recommendation letters. Especially in selective admissions, when thousands of qualified students are competing for a limited number of spots, reference letters can go a long way toward differentiating one student from another. According to Harvard dean of admissions William Fitzsimmons, recommendation letters are "extremely important" and are read "with great care" (often projected onto large screens in front of the whole committee!).

So what are all these carefully reading admissions officers looking for? Two main features. The first is an insightful, in-depth story of the student that reveals both her academic skills and personal qualities. As a teacher, you're in a great position to comment on a student's intellectual curiosity, creativity, and attitude towards learning.

Additionally, you can speak to a student's admirable personal qualities, like her sense of integrity, compassion, and leadership skills, to name a few. This in-depth look gives an admissions committee a holistic view of your student beyond the grades and clubs listed on their application. It helps the student come to life.

The second main feature that admissions committees typically look for is a student's potential to contribute positively to the college community , as well as to succeed after graduation. In your recommendation, you can state your confidence about a student's success on campus and future achievement.

Certain qualities are especially impressive to admissions officers and hint at success in college, though this might vary somewhat by individual. Some of these qualities include love of learning, academic commitment, communication skills, commitment to mastery of a specific skill or area, and leadership capacity.

Since these personal qualities may not be apparent on the rest of the application (apart from the student's own personal essay), the letters of recommendation can go a long way toward describing a student's best traits. Plus, they show that a student has teachers who are motivated to advocate for her.

Of course, hopefully no one would agree to recommend a student and then write bad, sabotaging things in the recommendation letter. It's generally safe to assume that all recommenders want to support students in continuing their education. But mediocre letters can often be just as bad as ones that are outright critical, and merely "good letters" pale in comparison to excellent ones. So what must go into a letter of recommendation to make it particularly strong and effective?

How to Write a Strong Letter of Recommendation

The strongest letters of recommendation take time and thought to craft. They're individualized to each student and are thoughtfully revised for word choice and flow of ideas. First and foremost, what content is essential for a strong letter of recommendation?

Include Key Content

Perhaps the best way to describe what a letter of rec should include is to start out by describing what it shouldn't include. A rec letter should not simply be a restatement of a student's grades, clubs, and awards. All of these facts and figures should already be stated on the student's application.

The most ineffective rec letters just repeat a student's resume. Admissions officers are hoping for deep insights into a student's character, rather than a list of data points that could apply to any number of students.

This is not to say that recommenders shouldn't mention what a student has achieved or been involved in, but they shouldn't feel compelled to list every single accomplishment. Instead, writers can point to a specific involvement or story that demonstrates something meaningful about the student.

For instance, you might be writing about Michael, whose powerful commitment to equality and education led him to establish a Gay-Straight Alliance at the school. In this way, you're discussing something a student has done to illuminate something significant and admirable about his character and motivations. Speaking about his establishment of the GSA is more illustrative than simply stating that he's committed to equality and social justice.

So if reiterating the student's grades and activities (i.e., resume points) shouldn't go into the rec letter, what should? MIT offers an insightful breakdown of the questions its admissions officers would like answers to in a letter. These questions are a useful guide for recommenders writing to any college.

• What is the context of your relationship with the applicant? 
• Has the student demonstrated a willingness to take intellectual risks and go beyond the normal classroom experience?
• Does the applicant have any unusual competence, talent, or leadership abilities?
• What motivates this person? What excites him/her?
• How does the applicant interact with teachers? With peers? Describe his/her personality and social skills.
• What will you remember most about this person?
• Has the applicant ever experienced disappointment or failure? If so, how did he/she react?
• Are there any unusual family or community circumstances of which we should be aware?

Source: MIT Admissions

A recommender doesn't necessarily have to answer all of these questions, but they're great starting points for brainstorming. They shift the focus from what a student does to what a student is like, in terms of her intellectual curiosity, specific skills or talents, passions, and personality. Some other impressive qualities include communication skills, resourcefulness, and innovative problem-solving. Admissions committees often also look for demonstrated leadership and the ability to collaborate with others in an interactive and diverse environment.

Beyond these personal qualities, letter writers might speak to unusual circumstances or challenges that the student has faced or survived. These can be especially meaningful to explain a dip in academic performance or to show how a student has overcome hardship. I would advise getting the student's permission before including personal family information, just to make sure she's comfortable with you sharing it.

Finally, a recommender may want to demonstrate her own familiarity with the school to which the student is applying. If the school is particularly competitive, then you might express your confidence in the student's ability to thrive in an academically rigorous environment. If you're an alum of the school, then you can believably assert your confidence that the student would be a strong cultural fit. 

The strongest recommendation letters give insight into a student's intellectual orientation, motivations, and personal qualities. As a writer, how can you rave about your student in a sincere, genuine, and convincing way? One of the best ways to accomplish this is to focus your recommendation on the student's best assets.

Highlight your student's most important strengths.

Highlight the Most Important Themes

Just as you don't have to feel compelled to repeat every grade, club, and award on the student's resume, you also don't have to speak about every quality that makes the student great. In fact, well-rounded students aren't necessarily what the most competitive schools are looking for. While selective schools look for academic excellence in most subjects, what they really appreciate is a student's singular commitment to a specific and distinct area.

Developing a "big spike" in a certain area shows passion, dedication, and the ability to sustain long-term focus . As PrepScholar co-founder and Harvard alum Allen Cheng writes , top colleges are looking for students who are going to change the world. They're expecting deep achievement, and the best predictor of that is deep achievement in high school. Therefore admissions committees are especially impressed by a "huge spike" in science, writing, athletics, or whatever your commitment might be. 

Of course, not all or even the majority of students are applying to Ivy League schools, but the takeaway message still applies. Recommendation letters don't have to present the student as well-rounded and good at everything they do. Instead, they can paint a specific picture and highlight the qualities that are most important to understanding who the student is and what drives her actions.

Some letters may highlight that a student is a top scholar, while others may speak to a student's leadership skills. Some may focus in on the student's passion for volunteer work, or her talent in acting, art, music, or athletics. For students with extensive international experience, recommenders may rave about their multicultural, global perspective or unusual maturity and sophistication.

Other students may have had to overcome hardships in their life, and the recommender could speak to their resilience and strength as a survivor. As mentioned above, I would suggest discussing this kind of content with the student to make sure she's comfortable sharing it with admissions commitees. All in all, a recommender can brainstorm a list of the student's best assets (with the aid of the student's resume and " brag sheet "), and zero in on the most important themes.

What if the student hasn't demonstrated interest in a particular area, but you're excited to see her further explore her interests in college? In this case, you could write earnestly about the student's room to grow and the potential you see in her. At the same time, be careful with this kind of wording, as it may suggest different things to different admissions officers. If you really feel not able or qualified to provide the student with a recommendation that will help her admission chances, then you should  respectfully decline or suggest someone else better able to write her letter.

Once you've chosen the most important themes to highlight about a student, you can think about specific stories, experiences, or observations that demonstrate those strengths. The best recommendation letters "show," rather than just "tell."

Bring your letter to life with meaningful stories and examples.

Give Specific Examples

Which sentence paints a better picture in the mind of the reader?

a) Kate is a strong writer. b) Due to Kate's superlative writing and analytical skills, I'll be using her year-long thesis on representations of gender in  Jane Eyre as an example of the highest quality work to students in my future AP English classes.

The second uses more powerful words, but more importantly it gives a specific example , thereby proving that Kate has strong writing skills. It explains the grounds on which the teacher draws her conclusion that Kate is a good writer. It additionally suggests that Kate can sustain focus in a long-term project and impressed the teacher so much that her thesis became a model for future students.

The best recommendation letters support their praise of a student with specific anecdotes and observations. These stories accomplish a few things. One, they support the writer's claims. Rather than just listing adjectives, the writer backs up her description with examples.

Secondly, they make the letter more interesting and help the student come to life in the eyes of admissions officers. Officers may be up all night reading through applications. The last thing they want is a generic, boring recommendation letter that blends into all the others. Interesting stories make both the letter and the student pop .

Finally, the use of specific stories proves that the recommender is, in fact, qualified to assess the student. The best letters come from teachers who know a student well. Sharing anecdotes and observations prove that you've gotten to know the student thoroughly and your evaluation of her is trustworthy and reliable.

In addition to sharing examples, you should take the time to be intentional with your word choice. Consider which phrases and adjectives will present the clearest and strongest endorsement of the student.

Dance, words, dance!

Use Powerful Words 

As with any piece of writing, the best recommendation letters are eloquent, clear, and don't fall into the trap of cliches. Calling someone a go-getter with a heart of gold who leaves no stone unturned and is a friend to all may elicit a yawn or eye roll from the admissions officer. 

Often finding just the right word happens in the revision stage. Check if you wrote interesting when creative or innovative would work better. Keep an eye out for nice when you meant to dive into a student's unique empathy or compassion for others. Perhaps you wrote hard worker when intellectual risk-taker would more accurately describe the student.

Some words and phrases that can be used to described a student's academic strengths include  insightful, analytical, curious, observant, innovative, or mastery of a specific subject area.  Others that fall more in the arena of personal and professional strengths include  mature, flexible, generous, empathetic, leader, versatile, ethical, motivated, ambitious, resourceful , and strong communication skills.

Admissions officers have read hundreds, if not thousands, of recommendation letters, and they're used to reading between the lines. Be intentional with your wording so you don't accidentally communicate something negative about the student. For instance, a phrase like " leads by example " or " excels at working independently " could indicate that the student keeps to herself and has trouble working with others.

While it's more important to be authentic and not worry too much about what an admissions officer may or may not think, this mindset can help you be purposeful with what you say and how you say it in your letter. You can also keep an eye out for sounding over the top with your phrase. While the best letters rave about their students, they have the examples to back up their praise. Simply listing superlative adjectives could come off as overblown and insincere.

A second technique that may impress admissions officers is the use of a high ranking. 

Rank the Student Highly, When Appropriate

Consider these ranking statements:

Carla is the most talented and driven math student I have taught in my twenty years at High School High. James is one of the top three students I have ever had the pleasure of teaching.

An impressive ranking, like the two above, certainly communicates a strong vote of confidence in a student , especially if it comes from a teacher with hundreds of students to compare her recommendee to. If your student is applying to a selective or Ivy League school, then a powerful ranking can go a long way toward testifying to a student's outstanding achievement and qualities.

On the other hand, a ranking like "above average" or "relatively strong effort compared to her peers" may do more harm than good. If you can genuinely provide a statement of high ranking, then you can help the student by including it. If not, then it's probably advisable to leave that kind of statement out of your letter. 

Apart from a statement of ranking, there are a few other key components to include in your letter of recommendation. While you can be creative and customize your letters to each student, there are a few essential pieces of information that you should include in all your letters.

Include all essential elements.

State All Essential Information

There are a few necessary pieces of information to include in all recommendation letters that I touched on briefly at the beginning of this article. The first is an explicit statement of who you're recommending. If you can customize your letter for each college, all the better. Second, you should state who you are , your position at the school, and the contexts in which you've gotten to know the applicant. 

If you've gotten to know the student both in class for a year and as editor of the school newspaper, then this shows you've taught and supervised her in different contexts and are especially qualified to evaluate her. Admissions officers usually prefer recommendations from junior year teachers , as they had the student recently and for a whole year. A senior year teacher probably doesn't know the student very well yet, and sophomore and freshman year was too far in the past. Exceptions to this general rule include having the student for more than one year or supervising her in other capacities, like clubs or sports. 

You can begin the letter with a creative or catchy hook, or a more straightforward statement of endorsement, as long as you include these key components in the introduction. Here are a few examples.

It is my great pleasure to provide this recommendation for Kate, who I enjoyed teaching and getting to know as her 11th grade AP U.S. History teacher.

I have known Joe since 2012 in my position as Lincoln High School's Biology teacher.

I am delighted to write this recommendation for Rosa, whom I have known for two years as her Psychology teacher and academic advisor.

Please accept this letter as my enthusiastic endorsement of Chris, the top student in my 11th grade AP Chemistry class.

After introducing the student, your relationship with her, and your statement of recommendation, you can go on to provide your evaluation, while keeping in mind the above mentioned suggestions, like focusing on important themes and using specific stories, powerful language, and a statement of ranking. If you want to balance out your recommendation by presenting a weakness, I would suggest doing so in a mild way, perhaps with an explanation of how that weakness could be turned into a strength. 

In your letter's conclusion, it's a good idea to restate your support for the student, while also talking about how you envision the student being successful at college . Admissions officers want to build a strong, dynamic, and diverse class with a range of abilities and interests. By attesting to the student's potential for future success and contributions at campus, you can reassure admissions officers that she is a student they want at their school.

Finally, you can conclude your letter with your contact information and an invitation to call or email you with any further questions . Use an official letterhead, and welcome them to get in touch for any further discussion of the student.

To sum up, let's go over the do's and don't's of writing recommendation letters for students applying to college.

Key Points to Remember

• Include key content, like who you're recommending, who you are, how you know the student, and what makes you qualified to evaluate her.
• Be enthusiastic in your recommendation, discussing both a student's academic ability and potential and her character and personality.
• Highlight a few key qualities that you think are essential for admissions officers to understand who the student is and what she can accomplish.
• Use specific stories, examples, and anecdotes to support your evaluation.
• Be intentional in your word choice, making sure to powerful words and phrases and to avoid cliches.
• Provide a high and impressive ranking , when applicable.
• Conclude with a strong statement of support, vision of the student's future success , and invitation to the admissions committee to follow up with you if need be.
• Simply repeat resume points or quantitative data that are already listed on other parts of the application.
• Cast too wide a net and end up saying very little, because you tried to say too much.
• List adjectives without having examples to back them up.
• Use generic , bland, unenthusiastic language or cliche statements.
• Use similar letters for more than one student, especially if the students are applying to the same schools (the same admissions officers will see this!)
• Agree to provide a letter of recommendation unless you can honestly recommend a student.

Finally, not all students develop strong connections with their teachers, perhaps because they have trouble participating in class or their school has a large teacher to student ratio. To help you write your recommendation, students may provide a "brag sheet," where they talk about their goals and what's important to them, as well as a resume. If you need more information or time to talk to the student, it can help to meet with her and have a conversation or two. I always found the easiest letters to write were for students who were open and eager to share their plans and personality.

If you feel you haven't gotten to know a student as well as you need to to write a compelling and insightful letter, then it may help to elicit her thoughts and feelings, as well as make time to get to know her better. As long as you have the raw materials, in terms of a good relationship, stories, and observations, then you can use these suggestions and examples to craft a thoughtful, customized letter of recommendation that will help her get into college.

As you write, remember your mission: to differentiate the student as a unique and impressive candidate, to shed light on both her intellectual and personal qualities, and to give admissions officers a holistic view of the person that will show up on campus in next year's class.

What's Next?

Some of the most helpful resources for me as I wrote recommendation letters for students were examples of great and bad letters. Check back soon for our articles with great letters , bad letters , and a suggested recommendation letter template .

While recommendation letters are important for all schools, they must be especially outstanding to help a student get into the Ivy League. Check out our complete guide to Harvard recommendation letters . 

Want to improve your SAT score by 160 points or your ACT score by 4 points? We've written a guide for each test about the top 5 strategies you must be using to have a shot at improving your score. Download it for free now:

Rebecca graduated with her Master's in Adolescent Counseling from the Harvard Graduate School of Education. She has years of teaching and college counseling experience and is passionate about helping students achieve their goals and improve their well-being. She graduated magna cum laude from Tufts University and scored in the 99th percentile on the SAT.

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Writing Letters of Recommendation For College Scholarships

EssayEdge > Blog > Writing Letters of Recommendation For College Scholarships

The thing that one of your pupils has approached you about creating a reference doc for them for an educational grant is significant! Every year, hundreds of inquiries from deserving students are submitted for some of the most famous awards. And just a tiny fraction of those that apply end up being selected.

Educational grant boards use students’ reference docs as a method to get an outside viewpoint on the learner they are thinking about. This enables the task of picking the most noteworthy applying graduates a tiny bit simpler for the boards.

Fortunately for you and your pupils, there is a simple method to get all of the info you want to produce a powerful paper of support. The details of what it is will be revealed below.

Table of Contents:

What Is a College Scholarship Letter of Recommendation?

An endorsement in the form of a paper is a written doc that emphasizes individual characteristics and capability for impactful and beneficial labor as important characteristics of a person to assist them in the admission process for a position. In addition, it may be used to assist the student in gaining admission to an education course.

Frequently, the doc is written by a person who has had significant time with them in a teaching/studying context. An applying person’s credentials, including talents, virtues, ambitions, and achievements, are described in detail by a reference to present institutions or corporations with a complete picture.

What Does a College Scholarship Recommendation Letter Look Like?

Here’s a good example of how a solid reference doc looks like:

Dear AAA College Admissions Committee,

Having worked as both her Literature tutor and her newspaper supervisor at BBB School for the last two years, I’ve known Sandra Black for quite a while. I feel Sandra would be a fantastic addition to AAA University.

While a pupil at BBB School, Sandra has often pushed herself to do better during the classes. She is an enthusiastic collaborator in public debates and has a rapid understanding of the subject matter. She has exceptional writing and vocal communication abilities that make working with her a joy for any instructor. Occasionally, Sandra may assist new high school freshmen who are having difficulty with their English classes.

Sandra is also very talented at extracurricular activities. She has worked as an editor of our educational establishment newspaper for the last two years. Moreover, she has contributed a lot of intelligent and thought-provoking pieces to the publication. Her capacity to assign work to the assistant editors reflects her outstanding organizational skills and leadership talents, which she has.

Sandra would bring so much to your educational establishment, both inside and outside of the classroom. If you have any further inquiries regarding Sandra’s qualifications, I’m available at (123) 456-7890 or [email protected] .

Sincerely, Daria Gray

Literature Teacher and Department Chair BBB School

Here’s What to Write in a Recommendation Letter for College Scholarship With No Experience?

To begin, request a list of your learner’s educational accomplishments, participation outside the main curriculum, and grade point average (GPA). The info about the educational establishment will assist you in customizing the doc to the course that they are going for, if applicable. Your purpose is to serve as a supporter of your pupils entering university intentions and to aid in recognizing and celebrating their triumphs.

How to Write a Letter of Recommendation for College Scholarship: Main Tips

Concentrate on a specific institution.

Inquire with the learner about the school to which they intend to submit an application. Make an effort to concentrate on the student’s abilities that are related to their capacity to achieve at that particular institution. Even if it’s a more generic letter, you should inquire about the sorts of colleges the individual is interested in attending. Letters to students attending community colleges will vary from those sent to students who want to attend state or private universities, as will the tone of the letters written to them.

Gather Information That Is Relevant

Request a copy of the student’s résumé so that you may chat with them about their previous work experience. To have a better understanding of their hobbies, you may want to attempt meeting with them in person.

Explain How You Are Acquainted With the Learner

Think of an explanation in your writing of how you came to know the pupil and for which period you’ve been acquainted with them at the start of the reference doc. If you’re a teacher, let them know how many lessons you’ve had them take with you.

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Encompass real detailed situations

The paper offers concrete instances of how the individual has displayed various talents and attributes in different situations. Make an effort to recall instances from when they were a learner or employee in your organization.

Maintain a Positive Attitude

You should express your belief that this pupil is a solid contender for the school. You may say something like, “I endorse this guy without reservation.” This should be stressed throughout the letter, particularly at the beginning and finish. After all, you want to make the youngster stand out among their peers.

Stay Away From Cliches

Several clichés may be found in student recommendation letters, including imprecise terms such as “hard worker” and “diligent student,” among others. Make a point of avoiding clichés and supporting any statements with real examples.

Please Provide Your Contact Information

Provide a method for the establishment’s admission officers to be in touch with you if they have any further inquiries. Include your online mail address, phone number, or a combination of the two at the conclusion of the letter.

Guarantee You Adhere to the Submission Guidelines

Inquire with the candidate about how to submit the letter. Make certain that you adhere to all rules, particularly those regarding where and when it should be sent and the format (for example, PDF, physical letter, etc.). Do a last check on the submission date to guarantee that your message will be delivered on time.

Here’s How Long Should the Reference Letter for College Scholarship Be

A single-paged doc is a perfect size for a referral. What’s most critical, still, is that the one crafting the doc has first-hand experience with the learner.

If a recommender can cite at least one detailed example like this, the letter doesn’t even have to be a full page! But one page of unsupported, general statements—even though they’re positive—is less effective than two paragraphs giving an example that’s specific ONLY to that pupil. Suppose you’re asked to generate a referral doc. In that case, you can make your own questionnaire for the learner, inquiring them to remind you/describe for you something they did well in your class, or perhaps give examples of something they improved upon when they were in your class—or your internship.

How to Start Your Letter of Recommendation for a College Scholarship?

Correctly beginning your doc may assist in guaranteeing that it is delivered to the intended receiving party and also helps the suggestion seem to be more adapted to the demands of the receiver. Inquire with the learner about the addressed party and the individual’s position in the applying procedure. If your learner does not have a particular someone in mind to whom the doc must be sent, you may alternatively direct your support to the admitting office of a uni.

How to Title a College Scholarship Reference Letter?

This is nothing complex to dwell on – you shouldn’t give any creative titles to the doc., and simply call what it is at the top of the document. Some might think this is overly trivial; however, this norm shouldn’t be broken, as the receiving party might misunderstand the purpose written piece.

What to Include in Your College Recommendation Letter for Scholarship?

Introductory paragraph introducing yourself and your credentials.

When you have validity as the student’s instructor, you may provide a valuable judgment on the individual on the decision committee of the educational establishment. At the outset of your doc, elaborate on your qualifications and why you support someone through writing.

Fill in the Blanks With Specifics About Your Educational Connection

Explain how long you’ve known the learner and in what volume you’ve known them to continue your introduction. This item may be used as an addition to your work title, allowing you to be more specific about your involvement in the pupil’s educational journey.

Use Specific Examples to Demonstrate the Learner’s Capabilities

Many institutions search for people they feel will be able to add to and develop the establishment regularly. An admissions officer may be intrigued in learning how the learner may assist in their firm’s growth and how they can add value in a constructive way to the local environment.

How to Format a Letter of Recommendation for College Scholarship from Employer?

This reference letter template shows the format of a typical letter of reference:

• Personal Details
• Introduction
• Letter Closing

How to Sign It?

Sign docs addressed to a specific individual with ‘Yours sincerely’ is a great option for formal writing.  If “Greetings” can be found atop your writing, then “Yours faithfully” should be your top choice.

How Many Words Should You Include?

A “letter of recommendation” is required explicitly by an academic program and should be sent directly to the university by the professor or employer without you seeing it. The document should be 300-400 words long and should present one’s personality, accomplishments, and abilities from an objective perspective.

What Font Should You Employ?

Use a traditional font such as Times New Roman, Arial, or Calibri. The font size should be between 10 and 12 points, so it’s easy to read. Adjusting the font size is a good way to keep your doc to a single page.

What Makes a Good Letter of Recommendation?

In this section, we’ll try to quickly mention the most important parts of reference docs that can tip the scales in favor of your pupil.

Individual characteristics and intellectual competence are important and should be included in the writing.

It should include references to both your individual characteristics and your educational accomplishments. The establishment’s committee is interested in learning more about the applicant. Their objective is to get a solid understanding of who you are in terms of your own qualities, personality traits, and hobbies. What drives them to do what they do? What methods do they use to communicate with their instructors and peers? What kind of responses does the learner have when faced with a challenge? What objectives have they established for themselves, and what actions are they doing to achieve those objectives, are you asking?

Funny Stories and Examples Should Be Highlighted in Your Doc

The inclusion of funny stories and instances is just another reason why this is a wonderful idea. If the learner’s letter is full of abstract assertions, it will do nothing to help the reader form an image of the student in their mind. Instead, you should use relevant anecdotes to demonstrate the learner’s strong qualities.

Your Letter Should Be Written in a Compelling Manner

The word selection is just as crucial as it is in any other paper type. The letter must be targeted, clear, and include powerful and accurate adjectives, among other qualities. For example, instead of referring to the student as intelligent, you may refer to the learner’s inventive approach to problem-solving as an alternative. Instead of stating that the learner is a “hard worker,” it may state that the pupil is industrious and resourceful.

How Should Such Docs Be Concluded?

Suppose you want to conclude your doc on a positive note. In that case, you may reiterate your support for the learner’s credentials and offer to be accessible should the educational establishment officer have any more questions regarding your recommendation. Think about giving a couple of ways for people to get in touch with you, such as a phone number where you can be reached and an email address where you can be reached. By taking this last step, you may demonstrate to the employer or institution that you have faith in the learner’s talents and completely endorse them for the educational course, which may have an impact on their choice to hire or promote the student.

It’s impossible to find a better guide on recommendation letter writing. If you follow all the recommendations we have given, there’s a chance that you will submit a good paper. But professional editing will anyway be necessary. We advise you to hire our college essay editors and trust this task to them. Of course, if you want your letter to be outstanding.

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Letters of Recommendation

Truman applicants are required to provide three letters of recommendation in addition to the Institutional Nomination letter.  Each of the letters should address one of our selection criteria, but it is acceptable for a letter to discuss more than one criteria.

• Leadership Abilities and Potential:  This letter should confirm the experience described in Question 7 (specific example of your leadership).  The letter writer need not have witnessed the example first hand, but they should be able to discuss the example and how it fits within the context of the student's leadership.
• Commitment to a Career in Public Service:  This letter should confirm the experience described in Question 8 (recent, satisfying public service activity).  The letter writer need not have witnessed the activity first hand, but they should be able to discuss the example and how it fits within the context the student's commitment to a career in public service.
• Intellect and Prospects for Continuing Academic Success:  This letter should discuss the student's overall academic background in context of the student's future plans for career and graduate school (Questions 11 to 13).  It is recommended, though not required, that the writer have taught the student at some point.

General Advice on Selecting Recommenders:

• We are unmoved by generic letters from people with recognizable names.  A well-written letter with specifics from an Associate Professor is always better than a letter from a big-name tenured professor who only saw you in a large introductory class setting.
• Letters do not need to all come from faculty members or be written in an academic style.  It is quite welcome, and often preferred, to have non-university personnel write letters to discuss a candidate's leadership or service.
• Recommenders should have had recent contact with the student.  Letters from high school are rarely persuasive.
• Provide recommenders with draft copies of the relevant essays.  If that is not possible, please provide recommenders a resume.  Make sure the letter writer understands the main points you want them to convey.  It is always disappointing when a letter fails to mention things that are clearly significant to the applicant.
• Request the letter as early as possible and be clear about when the letter is needed and to whom it should be sent.

Letters should be requested by the student and delivered to the Advisor. The Advisor is responsible for uploading the supplemental materials into our system. Please work together to ensure our deadline is met.  You may include the  Reference Request Forms  if you wish, but you are not required to do so. You are free to use your own request forms or simply ask the recommender to include a subject line at the top of their letter indicating which category they are addressing.

Advisors:  Additional questions about letters of recommendation - both in terms of technical problems or for guidance on appropriate recommenders - can be addressed to  Tara Yglesias .

For Letter Writers:

Thank you for helping someone with their Truman application! You may want to review our general requirements  before getting started. A few pieces of advice regarding letters for our program:

• Each of an applicant's three letters should address one of the three criteria (leadership, commitment to a career in public service, likelihood of academic success). Check with your applicant to find out which of these criteria you should address.
• While you should focus on your assigned criteria, it is perfectly acceptable to include information about other facets of the candidate's leadership, service or academics.
• The applicants should either provide you a copy of the essay they are submitting that corresponds to your criteria or they should be explicit in what they want you to cover. Keep in mind that applicants have very limited space in the application. Recommenders are uniquely suited to provide information that the applicant simply lacks space for. If you can provide additional context or detail for their essay, that would be extremely helpful to our selectors.
• The letter can include information and assessments from others. If, for example, you did not directly witness the activity the applicant discusses in their essay, it is fine to write about things you have heard from others who did observe the activity or discuss activities that you observed where the applicant showed similar skills.
• However, if you feel that someone else might  be better suited to write the letter, discuss this with the applicant, their Advisor or both. It is much better for the applicant to have a stronger letter if one is available. You can still support the student by reviewing drafts, serving on a practice interview or writing a later recommendation for graduate school.
• Our selectors generally prefer letters that rely on details rather than adjectives. Our "outstanding" may not be the same but "mobilized more than 100 students to volunteer on Saturday morning" is the same for everyone.
• Please try to limit the letter to two pages or fewer. Letters that are much longer than two pages risk not being read thoroughly.
• Letters should ideally be addressed to the Truman Selection Committee.

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How to Write a Strong Letter of Recommendation for College

If you’re a college counselor, coach, teacher, or mentor looking to support your college-bound students, chances are you’ve been asked to write a strong letter of recommendation. Stand-out letters of recommendation can give students a serious leg-up during college admissions. According to a 2024 post from Admit Report , college admissions officers will read as many as than 50,000 applications per admission cycle for a given university.

With that much competition, it can take a lot to help your student stand out. So, what catches an admissions officer’s eye? Strong letters of recommendation.

In that same survey, admissions counselors said letters of recommendation were more important to them than a student’s extracurricular activities, AP test scores, or even class rank. That means it’s worth putting a little extra effort into your next letter. Here’s how to write a college letter of recommendation that will blow the admission committee’s socks off. 

Need more help? Check out Going Merry’s high school counselor hub for email templates, how-to’s, and other resources.

Introduction

The introduction is one of the most important parts of your letter. This is your chance to hook the reader and draw them in. Here’s how to ace one common recommendation letter format. 

1. Open with a formal salutation

Your letter of recommendation should begin like any business letter. Keep in mind that, while common, “Dear Sir or Madam,” can feel gendered or outdated. “To Whom It May Concern,” is acceptable but can feel a little impersonal. If you can, find out the name of the admissions director. If you can’t find a direct contact, simply address your letter to “Dear Admissions Counselor.” Be sure to type on your official letterhead to give your letter an even more professional look.  

2. Introduce the student 

Start your first paragraph with a sentence or two explaining how long you’ve known the student and in what capacity. Were you their baseball coach, English teacher, or high school counselor ? Explain how you met. If possible, use a little descriptive detail to bring this anecdote to life, and mention your first impressions of the student. It’s usually standard to use the student’s first and last name upon first mention, then refer to them by their first name going forward.

3. Establish a personal connection 

Next, add a sentence or two demonstrating your connection to the student. This is one of the most crucial parts of writing a strong college letter of recommendation. Admissions officers are looking for endorsements from people who really know the candidate well. If you don’t have a personal connection to the student that goes beyond simply being their teacher or counselor, that’s okay. Remember, you can always say no and encourage them to ask someone else to write their letter instead.

One of the best ways to establish this connection and help a student stand out is to tell a memorable story that illustrates their character. Include an example of a time when their qualities or skills really shone. Maybe this is a story about how they stepped up in a leadership position, reacted well in a moment of success or failure, or went out of their way to help another student. Make sure it’s specific and personalized.

Use this section to paint a picture of this young person and explain what makes them stand out. 

1. Highlight the student’s achievements  

Use the next paragraph to mention the student’s top accomplishments. Keep in mind that the admissions officer will already have the student’s resume and GPA in front of them, so don’t waste time listing a bunch of achievements. 

Instead, mention a specific example or short anecdote that might add color to a prominent resume item. For example, the admissions officer probably already knows that your student is a varsity basketball player or a debate team captain. But if this is the hardest-working student-athlete you’ve ever coached or the most brilliant debater the school has ever seen, that’s worth a mention.

Another tip: While it can be helpful to use a letter template , try to avoid using the same formula for every student on your list. College admissions officers are often assigned to a particular region. That means the same person will likely end up reading the same high school teachers’ or counselors’ letters year after year. If your letters are practically the same for each student, the admissions officer will notice.

2. Speak to the student’s character 

Now that you’ve mentioned a student’s successes, it’s time to explain what personal qualities led to such success. Try to make this part of the letter flow naturally from the previous section. 

This is your chance to talk about the student’s hard work, magnetic personality, or aptitude for learning. That said, it’s best to avoid generic statements and clichés . The phrases “great work ethic,” and “strong team spirit” show up on thousands of letters each year. Instead, use concrete examples and descriptive detail to bring your student’s character traits to life. 

Instead of “He’s thoughtful,” say “He’s capable of discussing even the most complex topics with humility and nuance.” Instead of “She’s intellectually curious,” say, “She thinks like a scientist, and over the last four years, she’s turned in such thoughtful lab assessments that sometimes I worried she was teaching me more than I was teaching her.” It’s that kind of vivid description and personalization that catches the attention of college admissions counselors. 

Also be mindful of racial biases and gender biases in letter writing . If you’re not mindful, these unconscious biases can sneak into your letter and negatively color the admissions officer’s view of your student.

3. Provide context 

Praise doesn’t mean much without context. Be sure to benchmark your student’s achievements against those of their peers. This kind of context gives college admissions counselors a better understanding of the student’s abilities. It will be easier for them to make admissions decisions when they can clearly evaluate a student’s performance relative to others. 

So, for example, a weak recommendation letter might state that a student “writes well and participates often in class.” A strong recommendation letter might say something like, “I’ve taught more than 2,000 students in my time as an educator and I’ve never met someone with such a knack for the written word. Many young people struggle to describe their inner world in vivid detail, but Henry succeeded in capturing both me and his classmates with his thoughtful, relatable prose.”

Your final paragraph is your chance to remind your reader why this student is so unique and deserving of a spot at this particular school. Be sure to follow these general guidelines:  

1. End on a positive note 

Your final paragraph should provide a brief summary of your recommendation so far and express why you believe so strongly in this particular student’s likelihood of success. It’s standard to include your contact information in the conclusion in case the admissions office has any further questions for you. This could include your email or office phone number — whatever you’re comfortable providing.   

2. Use a formal closing

As with your opening, the closing of your letter should be professional and businesslike. “Best Regards,” is a common closing, though “Sincerely,” or “Respectfully,” will also work.

Guidelines to follow as you write 

Writing a strong letter of recommendation isn’t just about what you write – it’s how you write, too. Here are some guidelines to keep in mind.

• Keep it relatively brief: The audience you’re writing for has to evaluate countless recommendation letters just like the one you’re writing. Be respectful of their time and try to keep your letter to around one page in length.
• Be honest and balanced : While it’s important to emphasize the student’s positive qualities, it’s just important to be honest and balanced in your assessment. Avoid exaggerations or misleading statements.
• Tailor the recommendation to the college: Do some research on the colleges the student is applying to and customize your letter accordingly. Highlight traits or experiences that align with the particular college’s values or programs. This shows that you’ve taken the time to understand the student’s goals and aspirations.
• Avoid cliches: Steer clear of overused phrases and generic statements. Instead, provide original and thoughtful insights about the student.
• Use professional language and tone : The admissions process is serious business. Maintain a professional tone throughout the letter and use appropriate language. Avoid slang or informal expressions.
• Proofread and edit : Take the time to review and edit your letter carefully. Check for any spelling or grammatical errors, and ensure that the letter flows smoothly and is well-organized. Consider asking a colleague to proofread it when you’re done.
• Follow the guidelines : If the college or university provides specific guidelines or requirements for the letter of recommendation, make sure to follow them closely. This may include details on formatting, submission methods, or specific questions to address.
• Give yourself enough time to write: Writing a college letter of recommendation can take hours, days, or weeks depending on who you are and your relationship to the student. Give yourself plenty of time to sit down, write a draft, and revisit it to make sure it’s polished enough to submit. 

Support your students with Going Merry 

Letters of recommendation are one of the most critical parts of the college application process . That’s because the rest of a college application is pretty dry. Grades and ACT scores only say so much about a person, and colleges want to see more than just academic performance. 

The best students are born leaders with courage, drive, and personality. A good letter can bring your student to life for an admissions committee and even help sway their decision. 

As a high school counselor, you may write dozens — if not hundreds — of recommendation letters each year. Fortunately, Going Merry can help take the busywork off your plate so you focus on what matters. 

With Going Merry’s high school counselor resource hub, you can find everything from free email templates and financial aid lesson plans, to thousands of scholarships sorted by amount, location, and eligibility requirements. Sign up now or schedule a demo to find out how Going Merry can streamline your workflow. 

Disclaimer: This blog post provides personal finance educational information, and it is not intended to provide legal, financial, or tax advice.

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How to Apply for an NHSC Scholarship

We've closed the 2024 scholarship program application..

To be ready for next year:

• Sign up for emails , and we'll notify you when the next cycle opens.
• Read the Scholarship Program Application and Program Guidance (APG) (PDF - 554 KB) . It has the information you need to know about the application. Review our definitions (PDF - 241 KB) to clearly understand the APG content.
• Check out our Scholarship Program Application Checklist (PDF - 284 KB) to help you gather your documents and know how to prepare for completing your application next year.

To apply for the National Health Service Corps (NHSC) Scholarship Program, you must follow each of our requirements.

On this page:

• Before you apply
• Application sections
• After you apply
• Award notification
• Contract service commitment

What to know before you apply

Start the application process early. Allow time to collect all required and supplemental documentation.

The answers in your application must match your supporting documents.

You must submit a complete online application by the application deadline.

We will not:

• Accept requests to update a submitted application
• Permit you to submit materials after the deadline
• Fill in any missing information or contact you regarding missing information

What is a complete application?

A complete application consists of:

• Online application
• All required supporting documents
• Additional supplemental documentation (if applicable)

Bureau of Health Workforce (BHW) Customer Service Portal

When you apply, you will do so within the BHW Customer Service Portal . So, you must first create a profile.

Review the application sections

The following provides an overview of the application requirements. Refer to the NHSC Scholarship Program Application and Program Guidance for the complete set of requirements and instructions.

In the BHW Customer Service Portal, you will complete each of the following sections:

• Eligibility Screening If you do not pass this initial screening portion of the application, you cannot continue with the application.
• General Information Provide your name, Social Security number, mailing and email addresses, and other contact information.
• Degree Information Provide information pertaining only to the degree or certificate program for which you are applying for an NHSC Scholarship.
• Background Information Provide answers relating to your educational background, individual and family background, and emergency contact information.
• One letter from the department chair, faculty advisor, or faculty member of your current health professions program or most recent academic program.
• One additional letter of recommendation from an individual (but not a family member) who is familiar with your professional, community, and/or civic activities, especially related to communities in need.

Recommendations should include a description of the recommender's relationship to you and an assessment of your:

• Education and work achievements
• Ability to work and communicate constructively
• Characteristics, interest, and motivation to serve in a Health Professional Shortage Area (HPSA)

Note: You must certify that your application and information you enter in the online application is accurate, truthful, and complete.

You must upload all supporting documents at the time of the online application submission. Each document must include your name, discipline and the last four digits of your social security number.

• Proof of status as a U.S. citizen or U.S. national Acceptable documents: Birth certificate, current U.S. passport's ID page, or a Certificate of Citizenship or Naturalization. Unacceptable documents: Driver's license, permanent resident card, marriage license, or Social Security card.
• Authorization to Release Information Form Authorizes entities to disclose information about you, if we select you and you accept a scholarship award. You must date the form and include your handwritten or digital signature.
• Acceptance Report/Verification of Good Standing You must submit a report from your school verifying your acceptance or enrollment in a fully accredited program and stating you are in good standing. You and the school official must sign the report by hand or with a digital signature.
• Essay Respond to one essay question, and upload in a separate document. The essay must be 500 words or less.
• Transcript You must submit transcript(s) from the last degree earned or your current degree program with more than one full year of attendance. An unofficial transcript is acceptable and must display your name, school name, and grade point average (GPA). Enter the cumulative GPA for the last degree you earned to the application.
• Current Tuition and Fee Schedule Provide the current or most recent tuition and fees schedule published by the school.

We may require you to submit additional documents if your responses on the online application indicate that they're relevant.

Submit these only if applicable:

• A school official may complete the Verification of Disadvantaged Background (PDF - 406 KB) . You may also self-attest and submit supporting documentation (for example, Federal Financial Aid Report).
• Learn more about disadvantaged background qualifications .
• There is no potential conflict in fulfilling the NHSC Scholarship Program obligation.
• You will serve the NHSC Scholarship Program obligation first.

What to know after you apply

You will receive confirmation after you submit the online application.

You'll be able to view the overall status of your application and download a copy of your submitted application, including supporting documents.

Can I make edits to my application?

Before the application deadline, you may edit your application and resubmit it. If you don't resubmit your application by the final deadline, we won't consider you for a scholarship award.

Can I withdraw my application?

You may withdraw your application at any time before the Secretary of HHS (or their designee) countersigns your contract.

How can I check my application status?

The application review process occurs over several months. During this time, we will provide updates by email and on the online application status page, as applicable. You are responsible for ensuring that your contact information is correct.

How do you evaluate me?

We use various selection factors and funding priorities to evaluate applicants of NHSC Scholarship Program and eventually determine who receives awards.

Note: We do not consider the number of years of scholarship support you request when determining whether you will receive a scholarship award.

How we notify you about awards

If we select you for a scholarship award, we will notify you by email or letter no later than September 30.

To accept the award, you must respond by the deadline in the Confirmation of Interest email/letter. If you don't respond by the deadline, your award offer expires and we will offer it to someone else .

After you respond, we will ask you to:

• Sign the NHSC Scholarship Program contract
• Complete the online banking form for direct deposit
• Complete the W-4 form

Note: You must decline the award if you will not begin classes on or before September 30 of your application year or you will be on a leave of absence from school through September 30 of your application year.

What happens if I don't accept an award?

We may select you for an award and you may decide not to accept it. You may decline the scholarship support without penalty.

Note: A decision to decline the scholarship award is final and cannot be changed under any circumstances.

When will you notify those who didn't receive an award?

If you don't receive a scholarship award, we will notify you no later than September 30.

Understand your contract & service commitment

Your NHSC Scholarship Program service begins after you sign the contract and the Secretary of HHS or their designee countersigns it.

Can I terminate my contract?

The Secretary of HHS (or their designee) may terminate your initial contract or an optional contract for subsequent years if you meet a set of requirements. Review them in the application and program guidance.

Related resources

Program guidance.

• NHSC Scholarship Program Application and Program Guidance (PDF - 554 KB)
• Scholarship Program Fact Sheet (PDF - 161 KB)
• NHSC Scholarship Program Fact Sheet – Spanish (PDF - 160 KB)

Program comparison charts

• NHSC and Nurse Corps Scholarship Programs Comparison (PDF - 1 MB)
• NHSC and Dental Scholarship Programs Comparison (PDF - 74 KB)
• NHSC 11x17 Poster (PDF - 1 MB)
• NHSC 8.5x11 Poster (PDF - 932 KB)

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• Nurse Corps
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