Writing a persuasive recommendation can make or break an application, and knowing what to include saves time for both writers and students. Sample Recommendation Letter For Scholarship: Expert Tips and Strategies offers a concise approach you can adapt whether you’re a professor, employer, or mentor. This guide covers structure, tone, evidence, and tailoring advice to help produce letters that feel personal, credible, and scholarship-ready.
How to Write a Sample Recommendation Letter for a Scholarship
Start by identifying the scholarship selection criteria and the applicant’s strongest matching qualities. Effective letters do three things: describe concrete accomplishments, explain the applicant’s character and potential, and provide a clear endorsement. Open with your relationship to the applicant (how long and in what capacity) and then move into specific examples that demonstrate their suitability.
Structure and essential components
A reliable structure keeps the reader oriented. Use short paragraphs and active language. Include:
- Introductory paragraph: your position, relationship to the applicant, and overall endorsement.
- Body paragraphs: specific examples of achievements, leadership, creativity, or resilience tied to the scholarship’s goals.
- Closing paragraph: summary recommendation, contact information, and a polite closing statement.
Choosing evidence that persuades
Quantify when possible: grades, project outcomes, awards, or community-hours logged. Qualitative evidence is equally valuable—describe memorable moments when the applicant demonstrated initiative, teamwork, or problem-solving. For arts or portfolio-driven scholarships, note artistic maturity, unique techniques, or contextual relevance of their work. If the scholarship targets a discipline like the arts, consider linking applicants to relevant resources, such as a comprehensive guide to scholarships for art students, so reviewers see how the candidate fits that niche.
Tone, language, and credibility
Be enthusiastic but measured. Avoid hyperbole and prioritize details that show you’ve observed the applicant directly. Use an active voice and academic or professional phrasing appropriate to your role. If you hold a senior position, a brief mention of your credentials adds credibility, but keep the spotlight on the applicant.
Tailoring recommendations and avoiding common mistakes
Generic letters are easy to spot and often dismissed. Tailor each letter to the specific scholarship by mirroring language from the scholarship announcement—if it emphasizes community impact, highlight the applicant’s service projects and measurable outcomes. Common mistakes to avoid include vague praise, omission of contact details, and failing to provide concrete examples. Proofread carefully; formatting errors can undermine an otherwise strong endorsement.
Practical strategies for busy recommenders
Ask the applicant for a packet: CV, personal statement, transcript, and a short list of achievements or anecdotes. A one-page candidate summary cuts down on guesswork. Use templates for structure but always inject at least two personalized examples. If you can, submit the letter well before the deadline to avoid rushed content.
Special considerations for different scholarship types
Merit-based scholarships: emphasize academic and extracurricular excellence with metrics and awards.
Need-based scholarships: contextualize challenges the student has overcome and how financial support will enable continued success.
Creative scholarships: describe originality, technical skill, and impact of the applicant’s work; reference exhibitions, performances, or portfolio pieces.
Quick checklist
- State your relationship and length of acquaintance.
- Include two clear examples that illustrate key strengths.
- Quantify achievements where possible.
- Address the scholarship’s selection criteria directly.
- Provide contact details and a strong closing endorsement.
For additional guidance on tone and structure, see the practical tips from a university writing center that specializes in recommendation letters and academic writing.
UNC Writing Center guidance on recommendation letters
Brief FAQ
Q: How long should a scholarship recommendation be?
A: Aim for one page (about 300–500 words) unless the scholarship requests otherwise. Focused, specific letters are more convincing than long, generic ones.
Q: Can a recommender decline to write a letter if asked late?
A: Yes. If you cannot write a strong, timely letter, it’s better to decline so the applicant can seek someone who can provide a high-quality endorsement.
Q: Should personal challenges be mentioned?
A: Only if they’re relevant and the applicant consents. Frame challenges in terms of resilience and how support would enable future success.
