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You’ve been working hard on your scholarship application, and you’re almost done! All that’s left is to write a letter of recommendation, or two, that will convince the scholarship committee that you deserve their award money.
Whether you’re applying to graduate school or trying to get funding for a research project, you’ll likely need to get letters of recommendation from professors and employers
However, if you don’t know how to write a recommendation letter, getting started can be tough—and we can help! Just follow these instructions on how to write a recommendation letter, and you’ll be well on your way to securing more funding for your higher studies.
What is a Recommendation Letter?
A recommendation letter is also known as a reference letter, and it is a document that contains a written statement that speaks to the character and abilities of an individual.
This type of letter is usually written by someone who knows the person well, such as a teacher, counselor, coach, or current or previous employer.
The purpose of the letter is to provide a detailed evaluation of the individual in order to help the scholarship committee make its decision.
A good letter of recommendation paints a positive picture of the applicant and speaks to their strengths. It should be specific and focus on examples that show why the person is suited for the scholarship.
A bad letter of recommendation, on the other hand, can do more harm than good. A weak letter might not make it clear why the student deserves the scholarship, or could even reflect negatively on their character.
You can also read: 7 Tips for Writing a Killer Motivation Letter for PhD Scholarship
Before you agree to write a letter of recommendation, make sure you can write a strong one. If you cannot say positive things about the applicant, it is better to decline than to write a lukewarm letter.
The Purpose of the Recommendation Letters
A scholarship recommendation letter is written to attest to a student’s qualities and abilities. This type of letter is usually written by a teacher, guidance counselor, or another person who can speak to the student’s strengths.
The letter should highlight the student’s academic achievements, personal strengths, and any other relevant information that would be helpful in the decision-making process.
A recommendation letter helps-
- Strengthening the selection committee’s grasp of the candidate’s prospects for success and individual academic capabilities
- Representing the applicants by giving an unbiased view of the student’s abilities.
Who Can Write the Letter?
A recommendation letter (or reference letter) is written by someone who knows the applicant—usually a university faculty preferably a professor, teacher, counselor, coach, or employer—to vouch for the applicant’s skills, experience, and character.
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In most cases, the person writing the letter of recommendation will need to have a pretty good idea of who you are and what you’re capable of.
When Should I Send it?
Ideally, you should send your letter of recommendation for a scholarship at least two weeks before the application deadline. This will give the person writing the letter enough time to write a strong letter without feeling rushed.
However, if you’re unable to send the letter that far in advance, don’t worry! As long as you get it to the recommender at least one week before the deadline, they should still have enough time to write a great letter.
Formatting and Writing Tips
When writing a letter of recommendation for a scholarship, there are a few things you should keep in mind. First, format the letter correctly. The date should be followed by the recipient’s name and address. Next, start with a salutation and introduce yourself. In the body of the letter, discuss why you’re qualified to write a letter of recommendation and why the student is deserving of the scholarship. Be sure to use specific examples. Finally, end with a strong closing statement.
What Should I Mention in the Letter?
When writing a letter of recommendation for a scholarship, there are a few things you should keep in mind.
First, the letter should be written by someone who knows the student well and can speak to their character.
Second, it should mention the student’s academic achievements and any extracurricular or volunteer activities they’ve been involved in.
Finally, it should highlight why the student is deserving of the scholarship and how they would benefit from receiving it.
Sample Recommendation Letter
To Whom It May Concern,
I am writing this letter to recommend {Name} for the {Name of Scholarship}. I have known {Name} for {length of time}, during which they have demonstrated great dedication to their education.
During that time, I have seen them take on leadership roles in many extracurricular activities, both inside and outside of school. I believe that their involvement in these activities has helped them develop important skills that will contribute to their success in college and beyond.
{Name} is a hard worker who is always looking for ways to improve. I know they will make the most of this opportunity and would be excellent candidates for the scholarship.
Final Thoughts
A great recommendation letter can be the difference between a student getting a scholarship and not receiving one.
Before you draw the conclusion, a conclusion paragraph that highlights the author’s support of the applicant and extends an invitation to get in touch with the author by phone or email (a preferred contact, especially e-mail). Another important task is to take a hand-signed by the referee to attest to its validity. Don’t make this part so lengthy, rather try to make it short and understanding.