Scholarship Recommendation Letter Template

Writing a strong scholarship recommendation letter is a crucial responsibility. Your words can significantly impact an applicant’s chances of receiving funding for their education. This comprehensive guide provides a template, examples, and valuable advice to help you craft a compelling and persuasive letter that showcases the applicant’s strengths and potential.

Understanding the Importance of a Recommendation Letter

A recommendation letter serves as an objective assessment of an applicant’s qualifications, character, and potential. It provides the scholarship committee with insights that may not be evident from the applicant’s grades, test scores, or personal essays. Your letter adds a personal touch and provides context to the applicant’s achievements and aspirations. It is your opportunity to advocate for the candidate and highlight their suitability for the scholarship.

Why Your Recommendation Matters

Scholarship committees often receive numerous applications from highly qualified individuals. A well-written recommendation letter can distinguish an applicant from the competition. It demonstrates that someone who knows the applicant well believes in their abilities and potential. This endorsement carries significant weight and can be a deciding factor in the selection process.

The Impact of a Strong Recommendation

A strong recommendation letter can:

• Highlight the applicant’s unique qualities and achievements.
• Provide concrete examples to support your claims.
• Demonstrate the applicant’s potential for success in their chosen field.
• Offer insights into the applicant’s character and work ethic.
• Convince the scholarship committee that the applicant is a deserving candidate.

Before You Begin: Preparation is Key

Before you start writing, take the time to gather essential information and reflect on your relationship with the applicant. Thorough preparation will enable you to write a more personalized and impactful recommendation letter.

Gathering Essential Information

To write an effective letter, you need to understand the applicant’s goals, qualifications, and the specific requirements of the scholarship. Request the following information from the applicant:

• The Applicant’s Resume or CV: This provides a comprehensive overview of their academic and professional experiences.
• The Scholarship Application: Review the application to understand the scholarship’s criteria and the qualities the committee is seeking in candidates.
• The Applicant’s Personal Statement or Essay: This offers insights into the applicant’s motivations, aspirations, and personal background.
• A List of Their Achievements and Accomplishments: Ask the applicant to highlight their most significant achievements and contributions.
• Information about Their Academic and Career Goals: Understand where the applicant wants to go and how the scholarship will help them achieve their objectives.

Reflecting on Your Relationship with the Applicant

Consider the nature of your relationship with the applicant. How long have you known them? In what capacity have you interacted with them (e.g., professor, supervisor, mentor)? What are their strengths and weaknesses? What specific examples can you recall that demonstrate their abilities and character?

Declining if You Can’t Write a Strong Letter

It’s important to be honest with yourself and the applicant. If you don’t know the applicant well enough or feel you cannot write a positive and supportive recommendation, it’s best to decline the request. A lukewarm or negative letter can harm the applicant’s chances of receiving the scholarship. Politely explain your reasons to the applicant and suggest alternative recommenders who may be better suited to provide a strong endorsement.

Scholarship Recommendation Letter Template: A Step-by-Step Guide

This template provides a framework for writing a compelling scholarship recommendation letter. Feel free to adapt it to your specific situation and the applicant’s unique qualifications.

Template Structure

A typical scholarship recommendation letter consists of the following sections:

1. Heading: Include your name, title, affiliation, and contact information.
2. Date: Indicate the date the letter was written.
3. Recipient Information: Include the name and address of the scholarship committee or organization.
4. Salutation: Address the committee appropriately (e.g., “Dear Scholarship Committee,” or “Dear [Name of Contact Person],”).
5. Introduction: State your name, title, and your relationship to the applicant. Clearly and enthusiastically endorse the applicant for the scholarship.
6. Body Paragraphs: Provide specific examples and anecdotes to support your claims about the applicant’s strengths, abilities, and potential.
7. Concluding Paragraph: Reiterate your support for the applicant and summarize their key qualifications.
8. Closing: Use a professional closing (e.g., “Sincerely,” “Respectfully,”).
9. Signature: Sign your name above your typed name.

Detailed Template with Examples

Here’s a detailed template with examples to guide you through each section of the letter:

[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Affiliation]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
[Scholarship Committee Name]
[Scholarship Committee Address]
Dear Scholarship Committee,
It is with great pleasure that I recommend [Applicant's Name] for the [Scholarship Name] scholarship. I have known [Applicant's Name] for [Number] years as their [Your Role: e.g., Professor, Supervisor, Mentor] at [Your Institution]. During this time, I have been consistently impressed by their [Positive Qualities: e.g., intelligence, work ethic, dedication, leadership skills].
[Applicant's Name] was a student in my [Course Name] class, where they consistently demonstrated a strong grasp of complex concepts and a remarkable ability to think critically. For example, in [Specific Project or Assignment], [Applicant's Name] [Specific Action and Positive Outcome]. This demonstrated their [Specific Skill: e.g., problem-solving skills, analytical abilities, creativity]. Furthermore, [he/she/they] actively participated in class discussions, contributing insightful perspectives and fostering a collaborative learning environment.
Beyond academics, [Applicant's Name] is an exceptional individual with a strong commitment to [Applicant's Interests or Values: e.g., community service, social justice, environmental sustainability]. [He/She/They] volunteered at [Organization Name], where [he/she/they] [Specific Responsibilities and Achievements]. This experience highlights their [Positive Qualities: e.g., compassion, empathy, leadership skills, dedication to service]. I was particularly impressed by [Specific Example or Anecdote that Demonstrates Their Character].
[Applicant's Name]'s [Positive Qualities: e.g., intellectual curiosity, perseverance, resilience] are truly remarkable. [He/She/They] possess the drive and determination to succeed in their chosen field of [Applicant's Field of Study]. I am confident that [he/she/they] will make significant contributions to [Their Field] and will be a valuable asset to the [University/Institution] community. The [Scholarship Name] scholarship would provide [Applicant's Name] with the financial support necessary to pursue their academic goals and achieve their full potential.
Therefore, I wholeheartedly recommend [Applicant's Name] for this prestigious scholarship. I am confident that they will be an outstanding recipient. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any further questions.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]

Example Letter of Recommendation

Here’s an example of a scholarship recommendation letter based on the template above:

Dr. Emily Carter
Professor of Biology
Department of Biology
University of California, Berkeley
Berkeley, CA 94720
(510) 642-1234
emily.carter@berkeley.edu
October 26, 2023
Scholarship Committee
National Science Foundation
4201 Wilson Boulevard
Arlington, VA 22230
Dear Scholarship Committee,
It is with immense enthusiasm that I recommend Maria Rodriguez for the National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship. I have known Maria for three years as her professor and research advisor in the Department of Biology at the University of California, Berkeley. During this time, I have been consistently impressed by her exceptional intellect, unwavering dedication to scientific inquiry, and remarkable research skills.
Maria was a student in my Advanced Genetics course, where she consistently demonstrated a deep understanding of complex genetic concepts and a remarkable ability to apply this knowledge to solve challenging problems. For example, in a semester-long research project focusing on the genetic basis of antibiotic resistance in bacteria, Maria independently designed and executed a series of experiments that yielded significant and novel findings. Her work led to the identification of a previously unknown gene involved in resistance, which she presented at the annual university research symposium, receiving the award for "Best Undergraduate Research Presentation." This demonstrated her exceptional problem-solving skills, analytical abilities, and dedication to scientific rigor. Furthermore, she actively participated in class discussions, contributing insightful perspectives and fostering a collaborative learning environment among her peers.
Beyond her academic achievements, Maria is a truly exceptional individual with a strong commitment to scientific outreach and education. She volunteered at the Lawrence Hall of Science, where she developed and led hands-on science workshops for elementary school students. Her passion for science and her ability to communicate complex concepts in an engaging and accessible manner inspired many young students to pursue their interests in STEM fields. I was particularly impressed by her ability to tailor her teaching methods to meet the diverse needs of her students, ensuring that everyone had the opportunity to learn and explore.
Maria's intellectual curiosity, perseverance, and resilience are truly remarkable. She possesses the drive and determination to succeed in her chosen field of genetics. I am confident that she will make significant contributions to the field and will be a valuable asset to the graduate program at [University Name]. The National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship would provide Maria with the financial support necessary to pursue her doctoral studies and achieve her full potential as a leading researcher.
Therefore, I wholeheartedly recommend Maria Rodriguez for this prestigious fellowship. I am confident that she will be an outstanding recipient. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any further questions.
Sincerely,
[Signature]
Dr. Emily Carter

Key Elements of an Effective Recommendation Letter

To write a truly compelling recommendation letter, focus on the following key elements:

Specificity

Avoid generic statements and clichés. Instead, provide specific examples and anecdotes to support your claims. Describe specific situations where the applicant demonstrated their skills, abilities, and character. The more detailed and concrete your examples, the more persuasive your letter will be.

Example of a Generic Statement: “[Applicant’s Name] is a hard worker.”

Example of a Specific Statement: “[Applicant’s Name] consistently went above and beyond in my class, spending extra hours in the lab to complete her research project. She meticulously analyzed her data and presented her findings in a clear and concise manner, demonstrating her dedication and strong work ethic.”

Enthusiasm

Express your genuine enthusiasm for the applicant and their potential. Your enthusiasm will be contagious and will make your letter more impactful. Use positive language and convey your belief in the applicant’s ability to succeed.

Example of Lacking Enthusiasm: “I believe [Applicant’s Name] is a capable student.”

Example of Enthusiasm: “I am absolutely confident that [Applicant’s Name] will excel in their chosen field. Their passion, intellect, and dedication make them an exceptional candidate for this scholarship.”

Focus on the Scholarship Criteria

Carefully review the scholarship criteria and tailor your letter to highlight the applicant’s qualifications that align with those criteria. Emphasize the applicant’s strengths and experiences that make them a strong fit for the scholarship.

Example: If the scholarship emphasizes leadership skills, focus on the applicant’s leadership roles, experiences, and accomplishments. Provide specific examples of how they have demonstrated leadership abilities and made a positive impact on their community or organization.

Highlight Unique Qualities

What makes the applicant stand out from other candidates? What are their unique talents, skills, or experiences? Emphasize these unique qualities in your letter to help the applicant make a memorable impression on the scholarship committee.

Example: “[Applicant’s Name] is not only a talented researcher but also a gifted communicator. They have a remarkable ability to explain complex scientific concepts in a clear and engaging manner, making them an exceptional science communicator and advocate.”

Address Weaknesses (if necessary and appropriate)

If the applicant has any weaknesses or challenges, consider addressing them in your letter. However, do so in a positive and constructive manner. Frame the weaknesses as opportunities for growth and highlight the applicant’s efforts to overcome them.

Example: “[Applicant’s Name] initially struggled with [Specific Skill], but they demonstrated a strong willingness to learn and improve. Through hard work and dedication, they have significantly improved their [Specific Skill] and are now proficient in [Specific Skill].”

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these common mistakes when writing a scholarship recommendation letter:

Generic Language

As mentioned earlier, avoid using generic language and clichés. Be specific and provide concrete examples.

Lack of Specificity

Don’t just state that the applicant is “hardworking” or “intelligent.” Provide specific examples to illustrate these qualities.

Grammatical Errors and Typos

Proofread your letter carefully to ensure that it is free of grammatical errors and typos. A letter with errors can undermine your credibility and detract from the applicant’s qualifications.

Exaggeration or Falsehoods

Be honest and accurate in your assessment of the applicant. Avoid exaggerating their accomplishments or making false claims.

Focusing on Your Own Accomplishments

The letter should focus on the applicant, not on your own accomplishments. Avoid using the letter as an opportunity to promote yourself.

Missing the Deadline

Submit your letter by the deadline. Late submissions can negatively impact the applicant’s chances of receiving the scholarship.

Ethical Considerations

Writing a recommendation letter is a serious responsibility. Adhere to the following ethical guidelines:

Honesty and Accuracy

Provide an honest and accurate assessment of the applicant’s qualifications and potential. Do not exaggerate or fabricate information.

Confidentiality

Treat the information you receive from the applicant as confidential. Do not share this information with others without their consent.

Objectivity

Strive to be objective in your assessment of the applicant. Avoid personal biases or prejudices.

Conflicts of Interest

Disclose any potential conflicts of interest that may affect your ability to provide an unbiased recommendation.

Conclusion

Writing a compelling scholarship recommendation letter requires careful preparation, thoughtful reflection, and a genuine desire to help the applicant succeed. By following the template and guidelines provided in this article, you can craft a powerful letter that highlights the applicant’s strengths, showcases their potential, and increases their chances of receiving the scholarship. Remember to be specific, enthusiastic, and focus on the scholarship criteria. Your words can make a significant difference in the applicant’s future.