If you have been asked to write a reference letter for a scholarship application, you may be wondering where to start. A well-written reference letter can make all the difference in whether the applicant receives the scholarship, so it’s important to get it right. In this article, we’ll provide you with a reference letter scholarship template and tips to help you write a strong letter.
Template Explanation
Our reference letter scholarship template includes all the necessary components of a strong letter, including an introduction, body, and conclusion. The introduction should include a brief paragraph that explains your relationship with the applicant and your qualifications for writing the letter. The body of the letter should provide specific examples of the applicant’s skills, accomplishments, and character traits that make them a strong candidate for the scholarship. Finally, the conclusion should summarize your recommendation and encourage the scholarship committee to consider the applicant for the award.
It’s important to note that this is just a template, and you should feel free to edit it as needed to fit your specific circumstances. You can find examples of reference letters online and use them as a starting point for your own letter. Just be sure to personalize the letter to reflect your own voice and relationship with the applicant.
Tips for Writing a Strong Reference Letter Scholarship Template
Here are some tips to help you write a strong reference letter for a scholarship application:
1. Start with a Clear Title
Your reference letter should have a clear and specific title that reflects the purpose of the letter. For example, “Reference Letter for [Applicant Name]’s Scholarship Application.”
2. Introduce Yourself and Your Relationship to the Applicant
In the first paragraph of your letter, briefly introduce yourself and your relationship to the applicant. This could include how long you have known the applicant, in what capacity, and any relevant qualifications you have that make you an appropriate person to write the letter.
3. Highlight the Applicant’s Strengths
The body of your letter should include specific examples that demonstrate the applicant’s strengths and qualifications for the scholarship. These could include academic achievements, leadership abilities, community service, or other relevant experiences.
4. Provide Context for the Applicant’s Achievements
When providing examples of the applicant’s achievements, be sure to provide context for those achievements. For example, if you mention that the applicant achieved a high GPA, you could also mention the rigor of their course load or any challenges they overcame to achieve that GPA.
5. Be Honest and Specific
It’s important to be honest in your letter, but also to be specific about the applicant’s strengths and qualifications. Avoid vague or general statements, and provide specific examples that support your recommendation.
6. Close Strongly
In your conclusion, summarize your recommendation and encourage the scholarship committee to consider the applicant for the award. You could also offer to provide additional information or answer any questions they may have.
Examples of Reference Letter Scholarship Template
Reference Letter for Academic Scholarship
Greetings Scholarship Committee,
I am writing this letter of recommendation for [Applicant Name], who is applying for the [Scholarship Name] Scholarship. As [Applicant Name]’s professor of [Subject], I have been consistently impressed with their academic abilities and work ethic.
[Applicant Name] has consistently earned high marks in my class, demonstrating not only excellent mastery of the material but also a genuine curiosity and engagement with the subject matter. They have also shown leadership potential by volunteering as a tutor for struggling students and leading group study sessions.
I wholeheartedly recommend [Applicant Name] for the [Scholarship Name] Scholarship. I believe that their drive, intellect, and leadership potential make them an excellent candidate for this award.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Reference Letter for Community Service Scholarship
Dear Scholarship Committee,
I am honored to recommend [Applicant Name] for the [Scholarship Name] Scholarship. I have been impressed with [Applicant Name]’s commitment to community service and their passion for making a positive impact in the world.
As a volunteer with [Organization Name], [Applicant Name] has demonstrated both leadership and compassion. They have organized successful fundraising events, recruited and trained new volunteers, and worked directly with those in need. They have shown excellent communication and problem-solving skills, as well as an unwavering sense of dedication to their work.
I am confident that [Applicant Name] would make an excellent recipient of the [Scholarship Name] Scholarship. Their commitment to community service and their vision for a better world make them an exceptional candidate for this award.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Reference Letter for Sports Scholarship
Dear Scholarship Committee,
I am writing this letter in support of [Applicant Name]’s application for the [Scholarship Name] Scholarship. [Applicant Name] is a talented athlete and a dedicated member of our team.
As [Applicant Name]’s coach, I have been continually impressed by their hard work and commitment to excellence. They have demonstrated exceptional athletic ability in [Sport], consistently pushing themselves to improve and pushing their teammates to do the same.
More than that, [Applicant Name] is a natural leader, both on and off the field. They have shown excellent communication skills, a strong work ethic, and an unwavering commitment to teamwork.
I fully endorse [Applicant Name] for the [Scholarship Name] Scholarship. Their athletic ability, leadership potential, and dedication to their sport make them an exceptional candidate for this award.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Reference Letter for Arts Scholarship
Dear Scholarship Committee,
I am writing to recommend [Applicant Name] for the [Scholarship Name] Scholarship. [Applicant Name] is a talented artist with a unique vision and a strong work ethic.
I have had the pleasure of working with [Applicant Name] on several projects, and I have always been impressed with their skill and creativity. They have an exceptional eye for color and composition, and they are constantly pushing themselves to learn and grow as an artist.
More than that, [Applicant Name] is a dedicated and hardworking individual. They have shown excellent time management skills, organization, and attention to detail.
I wholeheartedly endorse [Applicant Name] for the [Scholarship Name] Scholarship. Their artistic talent and their commitment to their craft make them an exceptional candidate for this award.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Reference Letter for Leadership Scholarship
Dear Scholarship Committee,
I am writing to recommend [Applicant Name] for the [Scholarship Name] Scholarship. [Applicant Name] is a natural leader with a strong sense of purpose and a deep commitment to making a positive impact in the world.
[Applicant Name] has demonstrated exceptional leadership skills in a variety of contexts. They have served as a mentor and role model for other students, organized successful fundraising events, and led volunteer service projects that benefited communities in need.
More than that, [Applicant Name] is a thoughtful and empathetic individual who is dedicated to listening to and learning from others. They have shown excellent communication skills, problem-solving abilities, and a willingness to take on challenges.
I wholeheartedly recommend [Applicant Name] for the [Scholarship Name] Scholarship. Their leadership potential and their commitment to making a positive impact in the world make them an exceptional candidate for this award.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Reference Letter for Diversity Scholarship
Dear Scholarship Committee,
I am honored to recommend [Applicant Name] for the [Scholarship Name] Scholarship. [Applicant Name] is a talented student with a unique perspective and a deep commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion.
[Applicant Name] has shown exceptional leadership in promoting diversity and inclusion both on campus and in the broader community. They have organized successful events that celebrate different cultures, worked with marginalized groups to provide resources and support, and been a vocal advocate for underrepresented communities.
More than that, [Applicant Name] is a thoughtful and insightful individual who is dedicated to learning from and engaging with others. They have shown excellent communication skills, empathy, and a willingness to listen and learn from others.
I highly recommend [Applicant Name] for the [Scholarship Name] Scholarship. Their commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion, their leadership potential, and their dedication to learning and growth make them an exceptional candidate for this award.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Reference Letter for STEM Scholarship
Dear Scholarship Committee,
I am writing to enthusiastically recommend [Applicant Name] for the [Scholarship Name] Scholarship. They are a talented and driven student with a passion for STEM and a dedication to making a positive impact in the field.
As [Applicant Name]’s professor of [STEM Subject], I have been consistently impressed with their curiosity, intelligence, and work ethic. They have consistently demonstrated a deep understanding of the material, as well as a willingness to engage with complex and challenging concepts. They have also shown leadership potential by mentoring other students and engaging in research projects.
I wholeheartedly endorse [Applicant Name] for the [Scholarship Name] Scholarship. Their dedication to STEM, their leadership potential, and their commitment to making a positive impact make them an exceptional candidate for this award.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Frequently Asked Questions
How should I address the letter?
You should begin the letter with a formal greeting, such as “Dear Scholarship Committee” or “To Whom It May Concern.”
What should I include in the introduction?
Your introduction should briefly introduce yourself and your relationship to the applicant, as well as any relevant qualifications you have for writing the letter.
What should I include in the body of the letter?
The body of the letter should include specific examples of the applicant’s skills, accomplishments, and character traits that make them a strong candidate for the scholarship. Be sure to provide context for those examples and be honest and specific in your assessment.
What should I include in the conclusion?
In your conclusion, summarize your recommendation and encourage the scholarship committee to consider the applicant for the award. You could also offer to provide additional information or answer any questions they may have.
Can I use a template?
Yes, you can use a template as a starting point for your letter. Just be sure to personalize the letter to reflect your own voice and relationship with the applicant.
How long should the letter be?
The letter should be approximately one page long, or around 300-400 words. Be concise and to the point, while also providing enough detail to support your recommendation.
What should I do if I don’t feel comfortable writing a recommendation?
If you are not comfortable writing a recommendation for an applicant, it is best to decline the request. Be honest with the applicant about your reasons and offer to help them find another person who may be able to provide a stronger recommendation.
Conclusion
A reference letter can be a powerful tool in helping an applicant secure a scholarship. By following our reference letter scholarship template and tips, you can write a strong and compelling letter that highlights the applicant’s strengths and qualifications. Remember to personalize the letter to reflect your own voice and relationship with the applicant, and be honest and specific in your assessment. With a well-written reference letter, you can help the applicant achieve their goals and make a positive impact in the world.