How To Write a Scholarship Recommendation Letter?

If you are someone who is looking forward to securing a scholarship for your abroad education then a well-crafted letter of recommendation for scholarship is of utmost priority. Also, understanding the key elements that contribute to the success of a letter of recommendation for scholarship is essential to make your application truly outperform the others with similar credentials. Keep reading to understand how to get the best recommendation letter for scholarship.

What is a Letter of Recommendation for Student Scholarship?

A letter of recommendation for scholarship is different from the usual letter of recommendation for masters programs as it is an endorsement of a student’s application for a scholarship rather than admission. It forms a crucial part of your application for scholarship by offering an external perspective that can assist the selection panel in ascertaining whether you are the right fit for the award or not. While each scholarship provider outlines their own set of criteria, regardless of the discipline some common points such as academic excellence, research potential, interpersonal, communication, and other skills must be emphasized in your LOR.

What to Include in a Letter of Recommendation for Scholarship?

The recommendation writer should be provided with details to be included in the letter, ensuring they cover the essential points. At the same time, it is essential to let them use their creativity while crafting the letter, as there is no rigid structure to follow. Discussed below are the crucial aspects that a letter of recommendation for scholarship must address:

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  Introduction - The beginning of the letter should include an introduction of the recommender, their designation, relation with the applicant, and how long you have known them. It must also include the name of the student, the program applied for, and the chosen scholarship.

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  Body - The body should indicate how the applicant’s goals align with the purpose of the scholarship. The recommendation writer should carefully review the eligibility criteria for the scholarship and properly justify how the applicant fits into it. Including personal anecdotes in the letter is recommended to make it more compelling. It is important to highlight academic achievements as well as extracurricular participation, community involvement, engagement in sports activities, etc. More importantly, the letter should emphasize how the candidate will contribute to the university’s community as well as create an impact after completing the program as it matters a lot for offering scholarships.

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  Conclusion - In conclusion, the letter of recommendation for student scholarship should summarize why you believe the applicant deserves the scholarship. The referee must also provide contact details and indicate to the selection panel that they are available to answer further queries. The reference letter for scholarship application should be closed with a formal sign-off such as “sincerely” or “regards”.

Scholarship Recommendation Letter Example

A letter of recommendation for scholarship template is shared below for your reference:

To the selection panel/ to whom it may concern,

With great pleasure, I am writing this recommendation for my student [name of the student], whom I have known for the past four years. During this time, I had the opportunity to teach him/her throughout his/her undergraduate studies at [name of university]. I have also collaborated with him/her in coordinating various events at college in my role as the NSS coordinator.

[Name of the student] is a promising student with a lot of unharnessed potential. He/she has demonstrated intellectual curiosity and resilience which is rare among students these days. While her academic credentials already speak about her academic skills, I would like to tell you about her involvement outside the classroom. He/she has shown commitment to learning and gaining a deep understanding of the subject. As the student head of the NSS wing, he/she has been at the forefront of organizing community outreach programs showcasing initiative, leadership, and organizational skills. These qualities will undoubtedly contribute to the campus culture and drive other students to participate in community service.

Undoubtedly, I believe he/she is a highly deserving candidate for this prestigious scholarship award. It will not only assist him/her financially but also give him/her a boost to prove himself/herself worthy of the recognition.

Please feel free to contact me at the details provided below in case you have additional questions.

Sincerely,

[Name]

[Designation]

[Phone number]

[Email address]

Points to Keep in Mind While Writing a Reference Letter for Scholarship

The recommendation writer should be informed of the following points to make sure the letter is well-structured:

Do’s:

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  The reference letter for scholarship must address the criteria for receiving the award and how the applicant fulfills them.
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  Emphasize the applicant’s strengths by highlighting their past achievements and commitment to success.
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  Be specific with the information in your LOR and point out key features that make the applicant stand out.
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  The letter must be kept clear and concise providing context to the selection panel.
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  It is necessary to stick to the guidelines for length and format specified by the university.

Don’t’s:

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  Avoid sharing generic letters not personalized for the applicant.
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  The letter should not only summarize what is already stated in the application but also provide additional information.
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  Don’t embellish or exaggerate the applicant’s achievements as it impacts your credibility as well as the applicant’s chances of selection.
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  Don’t focus too much on academic accomplishments alone. The letter must also highlight other qualities of the applicant such as leadership, extracurricular achievements, volunteering activities, etc.
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  Avoid lengthy letters with repetitive information.
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  Do not agree to provide a recommendation if you are not familiar with the applicant or do not understand the scholarship requirements.

Steps for Obtaining a Strong Recommendation

Having a systematic approach is recommended to procure a strong letter of recommendation for scholarship smoothly. Take note of the steps discussed below:
 

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  The first step to obtaining a strong recommendation is to select the right person to provide a letter. You must pick someone who knows you well enough to attest to your skills and capabilities in detail.
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  Ask the recommender politely and show them that you value their assistance.
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  Discuss your intention to apply for a scholarship and how it will help you during your education.
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  Request a letter as early as possible preferably 2-3 months before the submission deadline to avoid last-minute delays.
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  Guide the recommendation writer with key details regarding the submission such as the deadline for submission, where and how to submit the LOR, formatting guidelines, and more.

Securing a letter of recommendation for financial assistance is a time-consuming process requiring thorough preparation. How you approach the referee and your relationship with them greatly affects their decision to provide a recommendation. Therefore, make your move thoughtfully and take note of our tips to ensure that your application makes a lasting application on the selection panel. Get in touch with GyanDhan experts for assistance in securing scholarships to study abroad.

Frequently Asked Questions