If you’re applying for a scholarship, you may be required to submit a character reference as part of your application. A character reference is essentially a letter of recommendation that vouches for your character and personal attributes.
It’s important to choose someone who knows you well and can speak to your strengths and abilities. This could be a teacher, coach, mentor, or community leader. The character reference should be written in a professional and respectful tone, and should be tailored specifically to the scholarship application.
Tips for Writing a Strong Character Reference
Here are a few tips to help you write a strong character reference:
1. Choose the Right Person
Make sure you choose someone who knows you well and can speak to your strengths and abilities. This could be a teacher, coach, mentor, or community leader.
2. Explain Your Connection
In your letter, make sure to explain your connection to the applicant and how long you’ve known them.
3. Highlight Their Strengths
Focus on the applicant’s strengths and abilities, and provide specific examples of times when they demonstrated these qualities.
4. Be Specific
Include specific examples of the applicant’s accomplishments, projects they’ve worked on, or challenges they’ve overcome.
5. Keep it Professional
Make sure your letter is written in a professional and respectful tone. Avoid using slang or informal language.
6. Edit as Needed
Read over your letter carefully to check for any errors or typos. You may want to have someone else read over it as well to get a second opinion.
Examples of Character Reference Letters for Scholarship
Dear Scholarship Committee,
It is my pleasure to write this letter of recommendation for [Applicant Name]. I have had the privilege of knowing [Applicant Name] for [amount of time] as their [teacher/coach/mentor] in [subject/sport/activity].
[Applicant Name] is an exceptional student/athlete/person who has consistently demonstrated [qualities/skills] throughout their time in my [class/team/program]. They have shown great dedication and [specific example of dedication] and have always been willing to go above and beyond to achieve their goals.
I am confident that [Applicant Name] would be an excellent recipient of this scholarship, and I wholeheartedly recommend them without reservation.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Dear Scholarship Committee,
I am writing this letter of recommendation for [Applicant Name]. I have had the pleasure of working with [Applicant Name] for [amount of time] at [company/organization].
[Applicant Name] is an incredibly hardworking and dedicated individual who consistently goes above and beyond to achieve their goals. They have a strong work ethic and are always willing to help out their colleagues whenever needed. They are also [specific quality/attribute], which makes them a great team player.
I am confident that [Applicant Name] would be an excellent candidate for this scholarship and that they will continue to excel in their academic pursuits. I recommend them without reservation.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Dear Scholarship Committee,
I am honored to write this letter of recommendation for [Applicant Name]. As [Applicant Name]’s [title] at [company/organization], I have had the pleasure of working with them for [amount of time].
[Applicant Name] is a highly motivated and dedicated individual who consistently strives to achieve their goals. They are [specific quality/attribute], which makes them an asset to any team. They are also a [specific example of leadership/mentorship], and have been instrumental in [specific accomplishment/project].
I am confident that [Applicant Name] would be an excellent recipient of this scholarship, and I wholeheartedly recommend them without reservation.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Dear Scholarship Committee,
I am writing this letter of recommendation for [Applicant Name] in support of their scholarship application. I have had the pleasure of knowing [Applicant Name] for [amount of time], both as their [teacher/coach/mentor] and as a personal friend.
[Applicant Name] is a remarkable individual who possesses [specific qualities] and consistently demonstrates [specific skills]. They are [specific example of kindness/compassion], and have always been willing to lend a helping hand to those in need. They are also a [specific example of leadership/mentoring], and have been instrumental in [specific accomplishment/project].
I strongly recommend [Applicant Name] for this scholarship, and am confident that they will continue to excel in their academic pursuits.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Dear Scholarship Committee,
I am honored to write this letter of recommendation for [Applicant Name]. As [Applicant Name]’s [teacher/coach/mentor] for [amount of time] in [subject/sport/activity], I have had the pleasure of watching them grow and develop into a truly exceptional individual.
[Applicant Name] is a highly motivated, hardworking, and dedicated student/athlete/person who consistently demonstrates [specific skills/qualities]. They are [specific example of leadership/mentoring], and have been instrumental in [specific accomplishment/project]. They are also [specific example of kindness/compassion], and always go out of their way to help others.
I am confident that [Applicant Name] would be an excellent candidate for this scholarship, and I wholeheartedly recommend them without reservation.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Dear Scholarship Committee,
I am writing this letter of recommendation for [Applicant Name] in support of their scholarship application. I have had the pleasure of working with [Applicant Name] for [amount of time] at [company/organization], and have been consistently impressed with their dedication, hard work, and positive attitude.
[Applicant Name] is a highly motivated and skilled individual who consistently demonstrates [specific skills/qualities]. They are also [specific example of leadership/mentoring], and have been instrumental in [specific accomplishment/project]. They are truly an asset to any team, and always go above and beyond to help others.
I am confident that [Applicant Name] would be an excellent candidate for this scholarship, and I wholeheartedly recommend them without reservation.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Dear Scholarship Committee,
I am writing this letter of recommendation for [Applicant Name] in support of their scholarship application. I have had the pleasure of knowing [Applicant Name] for [amount of time] as their [teacher/coach/mentor] in [subject/sport/activity].
[Applicant Name] is an exceptional student/athlete/person who consistently demonstrates [specific skills/qualities]. They are [specific example of leadership/mentoring], and have been instrumental in [specific accomplishment/project]. They are also [specific example of kindness/compassion], and always go out of their way to help others.
I am confident that [Applicant Name] would be an excellent candidate for this scholarship, and I wholeheartedly recommend them without reservation.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a character reference for a scholarship?
A character reference for a scholarship is a letter of recommendation that vouches for the applicant’s personal attributes and character. It is typically written by someone who knows the applicant well, such as a teacher, coach, mentor, or community leader.
Who should write a character reference for a scholarship?
A character reference for a scholarship should be written by someone who knows the applicant well and can speak to their personal attributes and character. This could be a teacher, coach, mentor, or community leader.
What should be included in a character reference for a scholarship?
A character reference for a scholarship should include an introduction that explains the writer’s connection to the applicant, specific examples of the applicant’s strengths and abilities, and a conclusion that summarizes the writer’s recommendation.
How should a character reference for a scholarship be formatted?
A character reference for a scholarship should be formatted like a formal letter, with a professional greeting, body, and complimentary close. It should be addressed to the scholarship committee or selection panel.
What should I do if I don’t know anyone who can write me a character reference for a scholarship?
If you don’t know anyone who can write you a character reference for a scholarship, you could consider asking a teacher, coach, mentor, or community leader who knows you well. You could also consider reaching out to a professional organization or volunteer group that you are a part of.
What should I do if I receive a character reference for a scholarship?
If you receive a character reference for a scholarship, make sure to thank the writer for their time and effort. You may also want to follow up with them to let them know the outcome of your application.
Conclusion
A character reference for a scholarship is an important part of your application, and can help to demonstrate your personal attributes and character. Make sure to choose someone who knows you well and can speak to your strengths and abilities, and consider providing them with specific examples to include in their letter. With a strong character reference, you can increase your chances of being awarded the scholarship you are applying for.