A reference letter for a scholarship is a document written by someone who knows the applicant and can vouch for their academic and personal qualities. The letter is meant to provide additional information about the applicant, such as their abilities, achievements, and character traits, that might not be evident from their academic transcripts or application materials.
If you need to write a reference letter for a scholarship, there are a few things you should keep in mind. First, you’ll want to make sure you know the applicant well enough to write a strong letter on their behalf. You should also tailor the letter to the specific scholarship they are applying for, highlighting the qualities and experiences that are most relevant to that opportunity.
To help you get started, we’ve provided some tips and examples below that you can use as a starting point. Feel free to use these as templates and edit them as needed to fit your specific situation.
Tips for Writing a Reference Letter for Scholarship
When writing a reference letter for a scholarship, keep the following tips in mind:
1. Start with a Title
Begin the letter with a clear and concise title that captures the applicant’s qualifications and the purpose of the letter. Examples might include “Letter of Recommendation for [Applicant’s Name] for the XYZ Scholarship” or “Reference Letter for [Applicant’s Name] for the ABC Scholarship.”
2. Provide Context and Background
Before launching into your letter, take a moment to provide some context and background about your relationship with the applicant. Explain how you know them, how long you’ve known them, and in what capacity you’ve worked with them. This will help establish your credibility as a reference.
3. Highlight Relevant Qualities and Experiences
In the body of your letter, focus on the applicant’s most relevant qualities and experiences. For example, if the scholarship is for students pursuing a degree in environmental science, you might highlight the applicant’s passion for sustainability, their research in the field, or their involvement in related extracurricular activities.
4. Use Concrete Examples and Details
Whenever possible, use concrete examples and details to illustrate your points. This might include anecdotes about the applicant’s achievements, specific projects they have worked on, or instances where they demonstrated leadership or initiative.
5. Be Positive and Enthusiastic
A reference letter is an opportunity to advocate for the applicant and showcase their strengths. Be positive and enthusiastic in your tone, and make sure to convey your confidence in their abilities.
6. Proofread and Edit Carefully
Before submitting your letter, make sure to proofread and edit it carefully for spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors. You want to present a polished and professional letter that reflects well on both you and the applicant.
7. Provide Contact Information
Finally, make sure to include your contact information in the letter so that the scholarship committee can reach out to you if they have any questions or need additional information.
Examples of Reference Letters for Scholarship
Letter of Recommendation for Jane Doe for the Smith Scholarship
Dear Scholarship Committee,
I am writing to highly recommend Jane Doe for the Smith Scholarship. I have had the pleasure of working with Jane for the past two years as her academic advisor, and in that time she has consistently impressed me with her dedication, enthusiasm, and intellectual curiosity.
Jane is a natural leader who is able to inspire and motivate others to achieve their best. She is highly engaged in her coursework and has shown a particular interest in environmental science, which is why I believe she would be an excellent candidate for the Smith Scholarship.
Overall, I believe that Jane is highly deserving of this scholarship and I wholeheartedly endorse her application. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you require any further information or if you have any questions about my recommendation.
Sincerely,
John Smith
Reference Letter for John Smith for the Johnson Scholarship
Dear Scholarship Committee,
I am writing to recommend John Smith for the Johnson Scholarship. I had the pleasure of having John in my biology course last semester and was immediately impressed by his passion and enthusiasm for the subject.
John is a highly motivated and dedicated student who consistently goes above and beyond what is required of him. He is a natural problem-solver who is able to think critically and analytically, and he has a particular interest in conservation biology, which is why I believe he would be an excellent candidate for the Johnson Scholarship.
I strongly recommend John for this scholarship and am confident that he will continue to excel academically and professionally. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you require any further information or if you have any questions about my recommendation.
Sincerely,
Jane Doe
Letter of Recommendation for Ahmed Khalid for the Brown Scholarship
Dear Scholarship Committee,
I am writing to highly recommend Ahmed Khalid for the Brown Scholarship. I have had the pleasure of working with Ahmed for the past year as his supervisor at the local hospital, and in that time he has consistently impressed me with his professionalism, compassion, and dedication to his work.
Ahmed is a highly skilled and knowledgeable healthcare provider who is passionate about improving the lives of his patients. He has shown particular interest in working with underserved populations, which is why I believe he would be an excellent candidate for the Brown Scholarship.
Overall, I believe that Ahmed is highly deserving of this scholarship and I wholeheartedly endorse his application. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you require any further information or if you have any questions about my recommendation.
Sincerely,
Samantha Lee
Reference Letter for Sarah Lee for the Patel Scholarship
Dear Scholarship Committee,
I am writing to recommend Sarah Lee for the Patel Scholarship. I have had the pleasure of working with Sarah on several projects in my computer science class, and in that time she has consistently demonstrated a strong aptitude for programming and a passion for technology.
Sarah is a highly creative and innovative thinker who is able to approach problems from multiple angles. She has shown particular interest in developing mobile applications, which is why I believe she would be an excellent candidate for the Patel Scholarship.
I strongly recommend Sarah for this scholarship and am confident that she will continue to excel academically and professionally. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you require any further information or if you have any questions about my recommendation.
Sincerely,
John Kim
Letter of Recommendation for Maria Garcia for the Perez Scholarship
Dear Scholarship Committee,
I am writing to highly recommend Maria Garcia for the Perez Scholarship. I have had the pleasure of working with Maria for the past two years as her mentor in the local youth leadership program, and in that time she has consistently impressed me with her leadership skills, dedication, and passion for social justice.
Maria is a natural leader who is able to inspire and motivate others to achieve their best. She has shown particular interest in promoting diversity and inclusion, which is why I believe she would be an excellent candidate for the Perez Scholarship.
Overall, I believe that Maria is highly deserving of this scholarship and I wholeheartedly endorse her application. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you require any further information or if you have any questions about my recommendation.
Sincerely,
Carlos Rodriguez
Reference Letter for David Kim for the Lee Scholarship
Dear Scholarship Committee,
I am writing to recommend David Kim for the Lee Scholarship. I have had the pleasure of having David in my AP English class for the past year and have been consistently impressed by his intellectual curiosity, critical thinking skills, and passion for literature.
David is a highly motivated and dedicated student who consistently goes above and beyond what is required of him. He has shown particular interest in exploring the intersection of literature and social justice, which is why I believe he would be an excellent candidate for the Lee Scholarship.
I strongly recommend David for this scholarship and am confident that he will continue to excel academically and professionally. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you require any further information or if you have any questions about my recommendation.
Sincerely,
Jennifer Lee
Letter of Recommendation for Jason Nguyen for the Nguyen Scholarship
Dear Scholarship Committee,
I am writing to highly recommend Jason Nguyen for the Nguyen Scholarship. I have had the pleasure of working with Jason for the past two years as his coach on the debate team, and in that time he has consistently impressed me with his critical thinking skills, persuasive abilities, and dedication to his craft.
Jason is a natural leader who is able to analyze complex issues and articulate his ideas effectively. He has shown particular interest in exploring ethical and policy issues related to technology, which is why I believe he would be an excellent candidate for the Nguyen Scholarship.
Overall, I believe that Jason is highly deserving of this scholarship and I wholeheartedly endorse his application. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you require any further information or if you have any questions about my recommendation.
Sincerely,
Emily Chen
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I include in a reference letter for a scholarship?
In a reference letter for a scholarship, you should include information about the applicant’s academic and personal qualities, such as their achievements, abilities, and character traits. You should also tailor the letter to the specific scholarship they are applying for, highlighting the qualities and experiences that are most relevant to that opportunity.
Who can write a reference letter for a scholarship?
A reference letter for a scholarship can be written by anyone who knows the applicant well and can vouch for their qualifications. This might include teachers, coaches, employers, or mentors, among others.
How long should a reference letter for a scholarship be?
A reference letter for a scholarship should typically be no more than one page in length. It should be concise, focused, and highlight the applicant’s most relevant qualifications and experiences.
What should I include in the greeting of a reference letter for a scholarship?
In the greeting of a reference letter for a scholarship, you should address the letter to the individual or committee responsible for reviewing the scholarship applications. This might include “Dear Scholarship Committee” or “To Whom It May Concern.”
What should I include in the body of a reference letter for a scholarship?
In the body of a reference letter for a scholarship, you should highlight the applicant’s most relevant qualifications and experiences, using specific examples and details to illustrate your points. You should also explain why you believe the applicant would be a good fit for the scholarship and what sets them apart from other candidates.
What should I include in the complimentary close of a reference letter for a scholarship?
In the complimentary close of a reference letter for a scholarship, you should thank the reader for their time and consideration and express your confidence in the applicant’s abilities. You might close with a phrase such as “Sincerely,” “Yours truly,” or “Best regards.”
How should I proofread and edit a reference letter for a scholarship?
Before submitting your letter, make sure to proofread and edit it carefully for spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors. You want to present a polished and professional letter that reflects well on both you and the applicant. You might also consider having someone else read over the letter for you to catch any errors or inconsistencies.
Conclusion
A reference letter for a scholarship is an important document that can make a real difference in the applicant’s chances of success. By following the tips and examples provided above, you can create a strong and effective letter that highlights the applicant’s most relevant qualifications and experiences. Remember to tailor the letter to the specific scholarship they are applying for, be positive and enthusiastic in your tone, and proofread and edit the letter carefully before submitting it. Good luck!