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

Writing a scholarship recommendation letter is a critical responsibility, whether you are a teacher, mentor, or supervisor. A well-crafted letter can greatly influence a student’s chances of securing a scholarship. In this guide, we’ll break down how to write a powerful scholarship recommendation letter with tips, templates, and examples to make the process seamless.

What is a Scholarship Recommendation Letter?

A scholarship recommendation letter is a formal endorsement of a student’s abilities, qualifications, and character, written by a credible figure (teacher, mentor, employer, etc.). It helps scholarship committees assess whether the candidate is deserving of the award based on academic excellence, leadership skills, extracurricular activities, and overall potential.

Why Scholarship Recommendation Letters Matter

Scholarship committees receive numerous applications, and recommendation letters provide deeper insight into the candidate’s abilities beyond test scores and personal essays. A strong letter can:

Highlight qualities that aren’t obvious in other application materials.
Show personal experiences that illustrate the student’s drive, determination, and achievements.
Validate the student’s qualifications through the credibility of the recommender.

Who Should Write the Letter?

It’s important that the letter comes from someone who knows the student well in a professional, academic, or leadership capacity. The best candidates to write these letters include:

Teachers or Professors: Can vouch for academic achievements and intellectual curiosity.
Employers: Can highlight work ethic, skills, and leadership in a job setting.
Mentors or Coaches: Can focus on personal growth, character, and extracurricular contributions.

Key Elements of a Scholarship Recommendation Letter

Introduction: Briefly introduce who you are, your relationship with the student, and how long you’ve known them.
Student’s Academic or Work Achievements: Discuss the student’s academic achievements or contributions at work.
Character and Personality: Highlight traits such as leadership, motivation, resilience, or teamwork.
Specific Examples: Provide examples that showcase the student’s qualities and contributions.
Closing Endorsement: End with a strong recommendation, offering your full endorsement of the student for the scholarship.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Write a Scholarship Recommendation Letter

1. Introduce Yourself and Your Relationship to the Student

In the first paragraph, introduce who you are and your relationship to the student. Mention how long you’ve known the student and in what capacity.

Example: “My name is Jane Smith, and I have had the pleasure of teaching John Doe for three years as his high school math teacher. Throughout this time, I have witnessed his dedication to academics and personal growth.”

2. Highlight the Student’s Academic Achievements

Discuss the student’s academic performance and any relevant accomplishments in school or their field of study. Mention standout grades, projects, or any academic honors.

Example: “John has consistently ranked in the top 5% of his class, excelling in mathematics, physics, and computer science. His dedication to learning was evident when he led a group project that won the regional science fair.”

3. Focus on the Student’s Character and Leadership Qualities

Beyond academics, mention qualities like leadership, perseverance, teamwork, or passion. Scholarships often look for well-rounded individuals, so emphasize how the student stands out.

Example: “Beyond academics, John has displayed outstanding leadership skills. As the captain of the robotics team, he guided his peers through complex problem-solving tasks, and his empathy and collaboration were essential in fostering a positive team spirit.”

4. Provide Specific Examples of the Student’s Skills

Whenever possible, include concrete examples to back up your claims. Whether it’s a project, an extracurricular activity, or a challenging situation the student overcame, examples make your recommendation letter stand out.

Example: “One memorable instance was when John organized a coding workshop for younger students, demonstrating both his passion for computer science and his willingness to share his knowledge with others.”

5. Conclude with a Strong Endorsement

End the letter by summarizing why the student deserves the scholarship and provide your full recommendation.

Example: “In conclusion, I fully support John Doe’s application for this scholarship. His academic achievements, leadership abilities, and dedication to his community make him an exceptional candidate. I have no doubt he will continue to excel in all his future endeavors.”

Tips for Writing an Effective Scholarship Recommendation Letter

Be Specific: Avoid general praise. Use concrete examples to illustrate your points.
Keep It Focused: Highlight key qualities like academic excellence, leadership, and character that match the scholarship’s criteria.
Use a Professional Tone: Write formally and proofread for grammar and spelling errors.
Know the Scholarship Requirements: Tailor your letter to the specific goals of the scholarship (e.g., leadership, academic merit, community service).
Avoid Overly Lengthy Letters: Keep the letter concise—aim for around 500 words.

Scholarship Recommendation Letter Template

[Your Name] [Your Title/Position] [School/Organization Name] [Contact Information] [Date] Dear [Scholarship Committee Name], I am pleased to write this letter of recommendation for [Student’s Name], who has been an exemplary [student/employee/mentee] in [your relationship]. I have known [Student’s Name] for [X years], and during this time, [he/she/they] has demonstrated outstanding [academic/leadership/character] skills. [Provide detailed academic or work-related accomplishments.] In addition to [his/her/their] academic achievements, [Student’s Name] has displayed remarkable [character traits like leadership, resilience, etc.]. [Provide specific examples or stories that highlight these traits.] I am confident that [Student’s Name] will continue to thrive in [his/her/their] academic and personal endeavors. I fully recommend [Student’s Name] for [Scholarship Name] and believe [he/she/they] would be an excellent recipient of this award. Sincerely, [Your Full Name] [Your Signature]

Scholarship Recommendation Letter Example

Jane Smith Math Teacher XYZ High School jsmith@xyzschool.com March 1, 2024 Dear Scholarship Committee, I am delighted to recommend John Doe for the ABC Scholarship. As John’s math teacher for the past three years, I have witnessed his exceptional academic abilities and his passion for learning. He has consistently been one of the top students in our class, excelling particularly in mathematics and physics. In addition to his academic performance, John has demonstrated remarkable leadership as the captain of our school’s robotics team. His ability to lead by example and inspire his peers is unmatched. For example, he initiated a community coding workshop that taught programming basics to younger students, showing his commitment to giving back. John is a driven, dedicated, and compassionate individual who will undoubtedly continue to excel in his future endeavors. I give him my highest recommendation for the ABC Scholarship. Sincerely, Jane Smith

FAQs

1. Can a family member write a scholarship recommendation letter?
It’s best for a non-relative like a teacher, mentor, or employer to write the letter to ensure objectivity.

2. How long should the recommendation letter be?
Aim for 500 words or about one page. Be concise but thorough.

3. What tone should be used in the letter?
Use a professional and formal tone, but keep it personal and specific to the student’s achievements.

By following these guidelines, tips, and using the provided templates and examples, you’ll be well on your way to writing an effective scholarship recommendation letter that will help your student or mentee stand out from the competition!