Have you agreed to write a letter recommending someone for a scholarship award? Writing this kind of letter is a big responsibility, and it's one that can seem overwhelming when it's time to get started. Using the scholarship recommendation letter templates provided here can make it a bit easier to craft an effective letter.
Three Editable Scholarship Recommendation Letters
When you are ready to begin drafting a scholarship letter, simply click on the image corresponding to the type of relationship you have with the person who has requested a recommendation letter. Each template can easily be edited and customized to help you get across the points you want to convey in an appropriate format. Downloading the templates is easy. Just click the image of the template you wish to use and save it to your computer, then open and edit to fit your needs. If you need help downloading the template, check out these helpful tips.
Scholarship Recommendation From an Employer or Co-Worker
If someone that you currently work with or have worked with in the past is attending college or planning to go back to college, you just might find yourself being asked to write a recommendation letter for a current or former co-worker or employee. You'll likely need to provide information on the scholarship applicant's work ethic, personality traits and ability to function as a team player.
Scholarship Recommendation Letter From a Teacher
If you are or have been a teacher, you may be asked to write a recommendation letter in support of a former student's application for a college scholarship. The letter you write will need to provide information about your experience with the applicant in an academic setting and your opinion of his or her potential for success in a higher education setting.
Sample Scholarship Recommendation From a Personal Friend
Scholarship applicants sometimes ask friends, relatives, neighbors and other people they have personal relationships with the right letters on their behalf. If you've been asked to write this type of letter, you'll need to describe the nature and length of your relationship with the applicant and provide information about his or her character as it relates to the scholarship program.
Scholarship Recommendation Letter Writing Tips
While the printable letters above are good options, they may not be exactly what you have in mind. You may find it helpful to review additional sample recommendation letters for inspiration. Whether you edit one of the provided templates or write your own letter from scratch, there are a few important tips to keep in mind.
- Follow an appropriate business letter format when writing a recommendation letter.
- Include information about how long you have known the person and in what capacity.
- Adapt the letter to the purpose of the scholarship program for which the purpose is applying.
- Give some specific examples of positive traits the person has that are relevant to the scholarship.
- Include relevant facts that could help the individual win the scholarship, such as financial hardship, unique talents, or special circumstances.
- Review the finished letter to be sure it clearly conveys your intended meaning and is free from errors.
Follow Through With Your Commitment
The fact that you've agreed to write a recommendation letter for someone - no matter how you know the person - is a big commitment that should be honored. If you don't turn in a quality letter than paints the applicant in a positive light by the deadline, your actions could keep the individual from being considered for a financial award that could help defray the cost of attending college. Be sure to honor the commitment that you've made and submit an appropriate and well-written letter that has been proofread carefully within the necessary time frame. Fortunately, using the templates provided in the article can help make it easier to follow through with what you've agreed to do.
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Paying for college takes a lot of planning. Tuition costs rise every year and graduates are buckling under the weight of debt from loans. For some, the expense of higher education is prohibitive, with many talented students being forced to cut their dreams short. Scholarships can make getting a degree more affordable. Students qualify based on academic performance, special interests, or financial needs. If you’ve been asked to help with the process, we’ve got you covered! Here’s a list of sample recommendation letters for scholarship applications that best meet your students’ needs.
How To Write Scholarship Recommendation Letters
If you’ve been asked to write a recommendation letter for your student’s scholarship, you might feel overwhelmed. You want to help your student, but you’re worried your letter won’t be good enough. In the end, you can only do your best, so lead with your heart and consider the following suggestions:
- Use letterhead and add your personal information (full name, title, school name, etc.) in the top left corner.
- Fill the whole page (at least 300 words) with an introduction, two to three paragraphs, and a conclusion.
- In the first paragraph, introduce your student, specify the scholarship for which they are applying, and share details about the nature and length of your relationship.
- In the body paragraphs, describe the ways your student is suitable and deserving of the scholarship.
- In your final section, pull everything together and emphasize your student’s strengths as well as the reasons why you are endorsing them.
Here’s a quick video on how to craft an effective scholarship recommendation letter:
Don’t feel you can honestly provide a positive recommendation? Gently decline their request for a letter. Avoid putting yourself in a position where you will have to be insincere. You don’t want to write something negative because it could cost the student an opportunity to earn a scholarship.
Sample Recommendation Letters for Scholarship Applications
1. General scholarship recommendation letter
This is a great sample scholarship letter if you’re trying to offer a rounded view of a student’s performance in high school. You’ll include information about your experience with them as well as your thoughts on their potential success in a higher-education setting.
2. Sample Rhodes Scholarship letter
If your student is a candidate for a prestigious award such as the Rhodes Scholarship, this sample scholarship letter will give you an idea of what to share with the selection committee. With these types of recommendation letters, you want to provide as much praise and positive information as possible.
3. Scholarship letter for math students
There are many great scholarship opportunities for strong math students. This sample recommendation letter outlines how to share not only your student’s math talents but the other traits that make them a good candidate as well.
4. Leadership scholarship sample letter
This helpful scholarship recommendation letter offers an example for highlighting leadership skills. Back up your endorsement by sharing specific situations as well as participation in any committees, programs, and events where your student excelled.
5. Scholarship letter for international studies
Does your student plan to go abroad? If so, review this sample for writing a strong letter of recommendation for this specific type of scholarship. Be sure to include evidence as to why you believe your student is well-rounded and exceptional.
6. Environmentalist scholarship letter
Has one of your students decided to pursue a degree in environmental sciences and wildlife? If so, this scholarship recommendation letter is a good example because it concisely highlights their strengths and shares why they would make a good candidate.
7. Scholarship letter for students who need financial assistance
No one should miss out on a college education because they can’t afford to pay. You can help them overcome this barrier! This excellent sample letter of recommendation shows the details to include for scholarships based on financial need.
8. Scholarship recommendation letter for STEM students
There are many scholarships for students who plan to pursue a career in STEM fields. If you’ve been asked to write a letter of recommendation for this type of scholarship, this sample will give you a good idea of what to include.
9. Greek society scholarship letter sample
Fraternities and sororities can be a great source of financial support for college and university students. Review this sample recommendation letter for scholarship applications for Greek society candidates.
10. Personal endorsement for scholarships
This sample recommendation letter for a scholarship application is best when you can’t vouch for the prospective student’s academic performance but want to share information about their personal character and how it relates to the scholarship program.