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How To Write A sample Recommendation letter for scholarship.
To write a strong recommendation letter for a scholarship, follow these steps:
- Start with a formal salutation: Address the scholarship committee formally, using "Dear Scholarship Committee" or "To Whom It May Concern."
- Introduce yourself and your relationship to the applicant: Briefly introduce yourself and explain your relationship to the student, such as their teacher, advisor, or employer.
- Discuss the applicant's achievements: Highlight the applicant's achievements, including their academic performance, extracurricular activities, community service, or any awards they may have received. Be specific and provide examples of the applicant's accomplishments.
- Describe the applicant's character and personality: Describe the applicant's personality, character, and work ethic. Highlight their strengths, such as leadership, teamwork, communication skills, and ability to work under pressure.
- Explain why the applicant deserves the scholarship: Explain why the applicant deserves the scholarship and how it will help them achieve their goals. Discuss how the scholarship aligns with the applicant's interests and career aspirations.
- Provide your contact information: Provide your contact information, including your email address and phone number, in case the scholarship committee needs to reach out to you.
- Close the letter: Close the letter with a strong endorsement of the applicant and a thank you for considering your recommendation.
- Explain why the applicant deserves the scholarship: Explain why the applicant deserves the scholarship and how it will help them achieve their goals. Discuss how the scholarship aligns with the applicant's interests and career aspirations.
- Provide specific examples: Provide specific examples of the applicant's achievements and qualities. Use anecdotes or personal experiences to demonstrate the applicant's character and work ethic.
Remember to proofread your letter before submitting it, and make sure to submit it before the scholarship application deadline.
5 Tips for Writing a Winning Scholarship Recommendation Letter.
- Know the student: To write an effective scholarship recommendation letter, it is important to have a strong understanding of the student's academic achievements, extracurricular activities, leadership skills, and character. Talk to the student and review their resume or application materials to gain a better understanding of their accomplishments and goals.
- Be specific: When writing about the student's accomplishments, be as specific as possible. Provide concrete examples of the student's achievements and how they have demonstrated their skills and abilities. This will help the scholarship committee understand why the student is deserving of the scholarship.
- Highlight the student's strengths: In addition to highlighting the student's accomplishments, be sure to focus on their strengths and positive qualities. Discuss their work ethic, leadership skills, interpersonal skills, and any other attributes that make them an outstanding candidate for the scholarship.
- Tailor the letter to the scholarship: Each scholarship may have specific criteria or priorities that the committee is looking for in a candidate. Be sure to review the scholarship's requirements and tailor the letter to align with their priorities. This will show that you have taken the time to understand the scholarship and that the student is a strong fit.
- Use a professional tone: A scholarship recommendation letter should be written in a professional and formal tone. Use proper grammar and spelling, avoid slang or informal language, and proofread the letter before submitting it. This will help to ensure that the letter is taken seriously by the scholarship committee.
How to Stand Out in a Pool of Scholarship Applicants.
- Research the scholarship: Before applying for a scholarship, do your research and make sure you understand the scholarship's requirements, goals, and values. This will allow you to tailor your application to the specific scholarship and demonstrate that you are a good fit.
- Focus on your strengths: In your application, focus on your strengths and accomplishments. Highlight the areas in which you excel and explain why you are deserving of the scholarship. Be specific and use examples to support your claims.
- Tell your story: Use your personal statement or essay to tell your story and explain why you are passionate about your field of study or extracurricular activities. This will help you stand out and make a strong impression on the scholarship committee.
- Get creative: Consider using creative or innovative approaches to your application, such as videos, artwork, or interactive presentations. This can help you stand out and demonstrate your unique skills and abilities.
- Get letters of recommendation: Strong letters of recommendation from teachers, mentors, or community leaders can help demonstrate your qualifications and potential to the scholarship committee. Make sure to choose recommenders who know you well and can speak to your strengths and achievements.
- Proofread and edit: Before submitting your application, make sure to proofread and edit your materials carefully. Typos, grammar mistakes, and other errors can detract from your application and make a negative impression on the scholarship committee support your claims.
What to avoid when writing letter for scholarship
When writing a letter of recommendation for a scholarship, there are some things that you should avoid in order to ensure that your letter is effective and helps the applicant's chances of being awarded the scholarship. Here are some things to avoid:
- Avoid vague or generic statements: Avoid writing generic statements such as "he/she is a hard worker." Be specific and provide concrete examples of the applicant's achievements and qualities.
- Avoid being too brief: A brief letter may not provide enough information to help the scholarship committee make a decision. Take the time to write a thorough letter that fully describes the applicant's qualifications and achievements.
- Avoid exaggerating the applicant's achievements: While it's important to highlight the applicant's achievements, avoid exaggerating or inflating them. Provide accurate information and avoid making claims that you can't substantiate.
- Avoid focusing solely on academic achievements: While academic achievements are important, it's also important to highlight the applicant's involvement in extracurricular activities, community service, leadership roles, and other relevant experiences.
- Avoid making negative comments: Avoid making negative comments about the applicant's academic or personal life. If you have concerns, it's best to address them privately with the applicant.
- Avoid submitting a letter late: Make sure to submit your letter before the scholarship application deadline. Late letters may not be considered by the scholarship committee.
By avoiding these common mistakes, you can write an effective letter of recommendation that will help the applicant stand out and increase their chances of being awarded the scholarship.
Sample Scholarship Recommendation Letter
Dear [Scholarship Committee],
I am writing this letter of recommendation on behalf of [Applicant Name] for [Name of Scholarship]. As [Applicant Name]'s [Teacher/Professor/Mentor/Advisor] for the past [Number of Years], I have had the privilege of working closely with him/her and have witnessed his/her remarkable academic and personal growth.
During our time together, I have come to know [Applicant Name] as a diligent, determined, and highly motivated student who consistently strives for excellence. He/she is one of the most intellectually curious and enthusiastic students I have had the pleasure of working with. I have watched him/her consistently challenge himself/herself academically, and he/she always seeks opportunities to learn and grow.
[Applicant Name] has consistently demonstrated outstanding academic performance in his/her studies, particularly in [Field of Study]. His/her academic record is exemplary, and he/she has consistently achieved excellent grades in all his/her classes. He/she has also taken on a leadership role in several extracurricular activities, where he/she has shown great dedication and commitment.
Apart from his/her academic achievements, [Applicant Name] possesses excellent interpersonal skills, which make him/her a pleasure to work with. He/she has a positive attitude, works well in a team, and is always willing to lend a helping hand. I have witnessed his/her ability to inspire and motivate his/her peers, and he/she has consistently demonstrated the qualities of a leader.
In conclusion, I wholeheartedly recommend [Applicant Name] for [Name of Scholarship]. He/she has consistently demonstrated academic excellence, leadership skills, and a commitment to learning and growth. I am confident that [Applicant Name] will make the most of this opportunity and continue to excel in his/her academic pursuits. Please feel free to contact me if you require further information.
Sincerely,
[Your Name].
10 Unconventional Scholarships You Might Not Know About.
- The Duck Brand Stuck at Prom Scholarship: This scholarship awards money to high school students who create the best prom outfits made entirely out of duct tape.
- The Vegetarian Resource Group Scholarship: This scholarship is awarded to high school seniors who have promoted vegetarianism in their schools and communities.
- The Jif Most Creative Peanut Butter Sandwich Contest: This scholarship awards money to kids who create the most creative and delicious peanut butter sandwiches.
- The Tall Clubs International Scholarship: This scholarship is awarded to students who are above average height (at least 5'10" for women and 6'2" for men) and can demonstrate academic excellence, leadership, and community involvement.
- The Make Me Laugh Scholarship: This scholarship awards money to students who submit the funniest essay or video.
- The Klingon Language Institute Scholarship: This scholarship awards money to students who are fluent in the Klingon language (from Star Trek).
- The Zombie Apocalypse Scholarship: This scholarship is awarded to students who write the best survival plan for a hypothetical zombie apocalypse.
- The National Marbles Tournament Scholarship: This scholarship awards money to students who excel in competitive marble games.
- The American Fire Sprinkler Association Scholarship: This scholarship awards money to students who read an essay and answer questions about fire sprinklers.
- The Courageous Persuaders Scholarship: This scholarship awards money to high school students who create the best anti-drug or anti-alcohol public service announcement.