Writing a Strong Scholarship Letter of Recommendation (Free Samples)

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A strong scholarship letter of recommendation should include the following elements:



1. Personal introduction: Begin by introducing yourself and your relationship to the student. Explain how you know the student and for how long.

2. Relevant qualifications: Describe the student’s qualifications and achievements that make them a strong candidate for the scholarship.

3. Specific examples: Provide specific examples of the student’s abilities, skills, and achievements. These examples should be relevant to the scholarship and demonstrate the student’s potential for success.

4, Positive endorsement: End the letter with a positive endorsement of the student and express your confidence in their ability to succeed in their chosen field.

Sample 1 - Scholarship Letter of Recommendation

Dear Scholarship Committee,

I am writing to highly recommend Jane Smith for the XYZ Scholarship. As her academic advisor for the past two years, I have had the pleasure of watching Jane excel in her studies and demonstrate exceptional potential in her field.

Jane is an outstanding student, consistently earning a GPA of 3.9 and above. She has also demonstrated a strong aptitude for research and has been a part of several successful projects. 

Jane’s passion for her field is evident in her work, and she has always been willing to go above and beyond to achieve her goals.

Furthermore, Jane has been an active member of our department, serving as a mentor to younger students and participating in community outreach programs. 

Her leadership skills, dedication, and commitment to her studies and extracurricular activities have made her an exemplary role model for her peers.

I wholeheartedly endorse Jane for the XYZ scholarship, and I am confident that she will continue to excel in her studies and make a positive impact in her field.

Sincerely,

[Your name]

Sample 2 - Scholarship Letter of Recommendation

Dear Scholarship Committee,

I am writing to strongly endorse John Doe for the ABC scholarship. I have known John for the past four years as his coach and mentor, and I have been consistently impressed by his dedication and passion for his sport.

John is an exceptional athlete and leader, always setting an example for his teammates. He has been a key player on our team, leading us to several championships and earning several MVP awards. 

Additionally, John has consistently maintained a high GPA while balancing his academics and sports commitments.

Furthermore, John has been actively involved in the community, volunteering at local youth sports programs and mentoring young athletes. His leadership skills, dedication, and commitment to excellence make him an ideal candidate for the scholarship.

I wholeheartedly endorse John for the ABC scholarship and I am confident that he will continue to excel in his studies and his sport.

Sincerely,

[Your name]

Note: These samples are for educational purpose and should not be copied or used without proper changes and revisions to ensure plagiarism-free.

FAQ's

What do Colleges Look for in letters of Recommendation?

Colleges look for several key elements in letters of recommendation:

1. Relevance: The letter should be relevant to the student’s academic or extracurricular pursuits and demonstrate how they align with the college’s mission and values.

2. Personalization: The letter should be personalized to the student, highlighting their unique qualities, strengths, and achievements.

3. Specificity: The letter should provide specific examples of the student’s abilities, skills, and achievements. These examples should be relevant to the college’s program and demonstrate the student’s potential for success.

4. Honesty: The letter should be honest and provide an accurate representation of the student’s abilities and potential.

5. Positive Endorsement: The letter should end with a positive endorsement of the student and express the writer’s confidence in their ability to succeed in college.

6. Writing quality: The letter should be well-written and free of errors. It should be clear and concise and easy to read.

7. Timeliness: The letter should be submitted in a timely manner, as per the college’s requirement.

8. Relationship: The letter should be written by someone who knows the student well, such as a teacher, counselor, or mentor, and has a good relationship with them.

Note: It’s important to keep in mind that letters of recommendation are just one of many factors that colleges consider when making admissions decisions. They are used to supplement the student’s academic record and other application materials, providing additional insight into the student’s character, achievements, and potential for success.

 

What Should You Avoid in a Letter of Recommendation?

There are several things that should be avoided in a letter of recommendation:

1. Generalizations: Avoid making general statements without providing specific examples or evidence to support them.

2. Negative comments: Avoid making negative comments about the student or their abilities. If the writer is unable to write positively about the student, they should decline to write the letter.

3. Confidential information: Avoid sharing any confidential or sensitive information about the student that they have not authorized to be disclosed.

4. Inappropriate language: Avoid using any offensive or inappropriate language in the letter.

5. Plagiarism: Avoid plagiarism, the letter should be original and written by the writer themselves, not copied from any other sources.

6. Exaggeration: Avoid exaggerating the student’s abilities or achievements. The letter should provide an accurate representation of the student’s abilities and potential.

7. Spelling and grammar errors: Avoid any spelling and grammar errors in the letter. It should be well-written and free of errors.

8. Lack of detail: Avoid being too brief or generic in the letter, providing enough detail and specificity to give a clear picture of the student’s abilities, achievements, and potential.

9. Late submission: Avoid submitting the letter after the college’s deadline, it might not be considered.

Note: It’s important to keep in mind that a letter of recommendation is a professional document, and should be written with care and attention to detail. The letter should provide a clear and accurate representation of the student’s abilities and potential, and should be written in a way that is appropriate, honest and respectful.