Writing a scholarship reference letter can be daunting, especially if you haven’t done it before. However, with the right guidance and examples, you can create a convincing letter that can help the student get the scholarship they deserve. In this article, we’ll provide you with tips and samples of a scholarship reference letter example that you can use to help your students.
What Is a Scholarship Reference Letter?
A scholarship reference letter is a type of letter that the student’s teacher, professor, or mentor writes to support the student’s scholarship application. The letter should highlight the student’s academic achievements, skills, and character. It should also demonstrate how the student will benefit from the scholarship and how they will use it to further their studies and career.
You can find examples of scholarship reference letters online and edit them as needed. However, it’s always better to write a personalized letter that reflects your relationship with the student and your observations of their achievements.
Tips for Writing a Scholarship Reference Letter
Here are some tips that can help you write an effective scholarship reference letter:
1. Start With a Title
The title should indicate that the letter is a scholarship reference letter. For example, “Scholarship Reference Letter for John Doe.”
2. Address the Letter to the Scholarship Committee
Start the letter by addressing the scholarship committee or the person in charge of reviewing the applications. This will show that you are aware of the application process and that you are submitting the letter on the student’s behalf.
3. Introduce Yourself and Your Relationship With the Student
In the first paragraph, introduce yourself and explain how you know the student. This will provide context for your letter and show that you have a personal relationship with the student.
4. Highlight the Student’s Achievements and Character
In the next paragraphs, highlight the student’s academic achievements, skills, and character. Provide specific examples of how the student has excelled in their studies, leadership roles, or extracurricular activities. You can also mention any challenges the student has faced and how they have overcome them.
5. Explain How the Student Will Benefit From the Scholarship
Explain how the student will benefit from the scholarship and how they will use it to further their studies and career. This will demonstrate that the student is serious about their education and has a plan for the future.
6. Use a Professional and Positive Tone
Use a professional and positive tone throughout the letter. Avoid negative comments or criticism of the student or their achievements.
7. Close the Letter With a Complimentary Statement
Close the letter with a complimentary statement that expresses your confidence in the student’s abilities and potential. Provide your contact information and offer to answer any questions the scholarship committee may have.
Scholarship Reference Letter Examples
Here are seven examples of a scholarship reference letter that you can use as a guide:
Scholarship Reference Letter for Academic Excellence
Dear Scholarship Committee,
I am writing this letter in support of Jane Doe’s application for the XYZ scholarship. I have had the pleasure of teaching Jane for the past four years, and I can confidently say that she is one of the most dedicated and talented students I have had the pleasure of teaching.
Jane’s academic performance has been exceptional throughout her high school years. She has maintained a 4.0 GPA and has consistently been at the top of her class. Her passion for learning and her academic curiosity have never wavered, and she has always been eager to take on new challenges.
I have no doubt that Jane has the ability and the drive to succeed in any academic setting. She has a natural talent for critical thinking and analysis, and she possesses excellent communication skills that will serve her well in any field.
I strongly recommend Jane for the XYZ scholarship, as I believe she is the epitome of academic excellence. She has the potential to make a significant contribution to any institution or organization that accepts her, and I am confident that she will succeed in all her future endeavors.
Sincerely,
John Smith
Scholarship Reference Letter for Financial Need
Dear Scholarship Committee,
I am writing this letter in support of John Doe’s application for the XYZ scholarship. I have had the pleasure of teaching John for the past two years, and I can confidently say that he is one of the most hardworking and dedicated students I have had the pleasure of teaching.
John’s family has experienced financial hardship that has affected his ability to pay for college. Despite these challenges, John has remained focused on his studies and has not let his financial situation affect his academic performance. He has consistently maintained a 3.5 GPA and has demonstrated a strong commitment to his education.
John is a true testament to the power of perseverance and determination. He has overcome many obstacles in his life, and I have no doubt that he will continue to do so in the future. He has a strong work ethic and a positive attitude that will serve him well in any field.
I strongly recommend John for the XYZ scholarship, as I believe he has the potential to make a significant contribution to any institution or organization that accepts him. He is a deserving and hardworking student who will use the scholarship to further his education and achieve his goals.
Sincerely,
Jane Smith
Scholarship Reference Letter for Community Service
Dear Scholarship Committee,
I am writing this letter in support of Sarah Doe’s application for the XYZ scholarship. I have had the pleasure of working with Sarah for the past year in the community service club, where she has demonstrated outstanding leadership and dedication.
Sarah is an active member of the community service club, and she has been involved in various projects that have made a significant impact on the community. She has organized food drives, clothing donations, and fundraising events that have helped many families in need.
Sarah is a natural leader who inspires others to get involved in community service. Her positive attitude, strong work ethic, and excellent communication skills have made her a valuable asset to the club.
I strongly recommend Sarah for the XYZ scholarship, as I believe she has the potential to make a significant contribution to any institution or organization that accepts her. She is a compassionate and dedicated student who will use the scholarship to further her education and continue her community service work.
Sincerely,
John Smith
Scholarship Reference Letter for Leadership
Dear Scholarship Committee,
I am writing this letter in support of Tom Doe’s application for the XYZ scholarship. I have had the pleasure of working with Tom for the past year in the student council, where he has demonstrated outstanding leadership and dedication.
Tom is an exceptional leader who has inspired his peers to get involved in various school projects and events. He has organized fundraisers, volunteering opportunities, and school spirit events that have brought the student body together and made a positive impact on the school.
Tom is a natural leader who possesses excellent communication skills, problem-solving abilities, and a positive attitude. He has the ability to motivate and inspire others, and he leads by example.
I strongly recommend Tom for the XYZ scholarship, as I believe he has the potential to make a significant contribution to any institution or organization that accepts him. He is a compassionate and dedicated student who will use the scholarship to further his education and continue his leadership work.
Sincerely,
Jane Smith
Scholarship Reference Letter for STEM
Dear Scholarship Committee,
I am writing this letter in support of Michael Doe’s application for the XYZ scholarship. I have had the pleasure of teaching Michael for the past three years, and I can confidently say that he is one of the most talented and enthusiastic students I have had the pleasure of teaching in the STEM field.
Michael’s passion for science and technology is evident in his academic achievements and extracurricular activities. He has consistently maintained a 4.0 GPA in his science and math courses, and he has participated in various science fairs and robotics competitions that have earned him multiple awards.
Michael possesses excellent problem-solving skills, critical thinking skills, and a natural curiosity for learning. He has a strong interest in pursuing a career in the STEM field and has already taken steps to prepare himself for this path.
I strongly recommend Michael for the XYZ scholarship, as I believe he has the potential to make a significant contribution to any institution or organization that accepts him. He is a dedicated and talented student who will use the scholarship to further his education and achieve his goals in the STEM field.
Sincerely,
John Smith
Scholarship Reference Letter for Athletics
Dear Scholarship Committee,
I am writing this letter in support of David Doe’s application for the XYZ scholarship. I have had the pleasure of coaching David for the past four years in the football team, where he has demonstrated outstanding athletic abilities and leadership skills.
David is an exceptional athlete who has earned multiple awards and recognition for his performance on the field. He possesses excellent physical skills, mental toughness, and a strong work ethic that have made him a valuable asset to the team.
David is also a natural leader who leads by example and inspires his teammates to perform their best. He has excellent communication skills, teamwork abilities, and a positive attitude that have made him a role model for his peers.
I strongly recommend David for the XYZ scholarship, as I believe he has the potential to make a significant contribution to any institution or organization that accepts him. He is a dedicated and talented student-athlete who will use the scholarship to further his education and continue his athletic pursuits.
Sincerely,
Jane Smith
Scholarship Reference Letter for Music
Dear Scholarship Committee,
I am writing this letter in support of Emily Doe’s application for the XYZ scholarship. I have had the pleasure of teaching Emily for the past three years in the school orchestra, where she has demonstrated outstanding musical talents and leadership skills.
Emily is an exceptional musician who possesses excellent technical skills, musicality, and a natural talent for playing the violin. She has earned multiple awards and recognition for her performance in various competitions and concerts.
Emily is also a natural leader who inspires her peers to perform their best. She has excellent communication skills, teamwork abilities, and a positive attitude that have made her a valuable asset to the orchestra.
I strongly recommend Emily for the XYZ scholarship, as I believe she has the potential to make a significant contribution to any institution or organization that accepts her. She is a dedicated and talented student who will use the scholarship to further her education and continue her musical pursuits.
Sincerely,
John Smith
Frequently Asked Questions
What Should I Include in a Scholarship Reference Letter?
You should include information about your relationship with the student, their academic achievements, skills, and character, as well as how they will benefit from the scholarship.
How Long Should a Scholarship Reference Letter Be?
A scholarship reference letter should be one to two pages long, single-spaced.
What Tone Should I Use in a Scholarship Reference Letter?
You should use a professional and positive tone in a scholarship reference letter. Avoid negative comments or criticism of the student or their achievements.
How Do I Address the Scholarship Committee in a Scholarship Reference Letter?
You can address the scholarship committee or the person in charge of reviewing the applications. This will show that you are aware of the application process and that you are submitting the letter on the student’s behalf.
Can I Use Templates for Scholarship Reference Letters?
You can find examples of scholarship reference letters online and edit them as needed. However, it’s always better to write a personalized letter that reflects your relationship with the student and your observations of their achievements.
How Can I Make My Scholarship Reference Letter Stand Out?
You can make your scholarship reference letter stand out by showcasing the student’s unique qualities and achievements, providing specific examples of their accomplishments, and demonstrating your personal relationship with the student.
Conclusion
Writing a scholarship reference letter may seem like a daunting task, but with the right guidance and examples, you can provide a convincing letter that can help the student get the scholarship they deserve. Remember to highlight the student’s achievements, skills, and character, and explain how they will benefit from the scholarship. With these tips and examples, you can create a personalized letter that reflects your relationship with the student and your observations of their achievements.