A scholarship recommendation letter is one of the most influential parts of a student’s application package. While transcripts, essays, and resumes reveal a candidate’s academic and personal achievements, a recommendation letter provides something equally important: a credible, third-party perspective on the student’s character, potential, and suitability for the scholarship. Because many scholarships are highly competitive, a well-crafted recommendation letter can make the difference between acceptance and rejection.
Whether you are a teacher, counselor, mentor, or employer asked to write one, it’s important to know what information scholarship committees look for. This article explores what to include in a scholarship recommendation letter, how to structure it, and key tips to ensure your words truly support the applicant.
1. Introduction and Relationship to the Student
Every effective recommendation letter begins with a strong introduction. The recommender should clearly state:
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Their name, position, and role.
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How long and in what capacity they have known the student.
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Why they are qualified to speak on the student’s behalf.
For example, a teacher might start by saying, “I have had the pleasure of teaching Sarah in my AP Biology course for the past two years, and I have also advised her in the Science Club.” This not only establishes credibility but also gives context to the observations that follow.
2. Academic Abilities and Work Ethic
Even for scholarships not exclusively based on grades, committees often want reassurance that applicants can succeed in a rigorous academic environment. Recommenders should highlight the student’s:
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Subject strengths and intellectual curiosity.
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Commitment to learning and ability to grasp complex concepts.
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Examples of projects, research, or assignments that showcase excellence.
Rather than simply stating, “John is a good student,” it is more effective to provide evidence: “John consistently demonstrates critical thinking skills, as shown in his research project on renewable energy, where he combined scientific analysis with creative problem-solving.”
3. Personal Qualities and Character
Scholarship committees value students who not only excel academically but also demonstrate integrity, leadership, and resilience. A recommendation letter should include specific personal traits that distinguish the student, such as:
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Leadership and teamwork.
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Dedication and perseverance in challenging situations.
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Compassion, empathy, or commitment to service.
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Maturity and responsibility.
Concrete examples strengthen the letter. For instance: “Despite facing personal challenges, Maria maintained her commitment to tutoring younger students, showing remarkable perseverance and compassion.”
4. Extracurricular Involvement and Achievements
Scholarships often reward well-rounded students. The letter should highlight how the student contributes outside the classroom through:
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Clubs, sports, or arts involvement.
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Community service or volunteer work.
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Part-time jobs or internships.
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Achievements, awards, or recognitions earned in these areas.
A teacher or mentor can emphasize how the student balances academics with meaningful contributions: “In addition to excelling in my math class, Alex has led our debate team to state-level competitions while volunteering at a local food pantry.”
5. Unique Qualities That Fit the Scholarship’s Goals
One of the most overlooked but crucial aspects of a scholarship recommendation letter is tailoring it to the award’s specific mission. For example:
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A STEM-focused scholarship may want proof of research skills and innovation.
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A leadership-based scholarship may prioritize evidence of initiative and influence.
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A community service award may look for dedication to helping others.
Recommenders should carefully review the scholarship’s criteria and align their letter with those values. This shows the student is not only impressive but also a strong fit for the award.
6. Evidence of Future Potential
Scholarship committees don’t just invest in a student’s past achievements—they want confidence that the student will make the most of the opportunity. A strong letter should address:
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The student’s career aspirations and goals.
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Their potential to thrive in college or a specific field.
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How the scholarship will help them achieve long-term success.
For example: “With her dedication to public health and strong communication skills, I am confident that Aisha will excel in medical school and make a lasting impact on underserved communities.”
7. Strong Conclusion and Endorsement
The closing paragraph should summarize the recommender’s confidence in the student and provide a clear endorsement. Instead of vague phrases like “I recommend this student,” a more powerful statement would be: “I wholeheartedly recommend David for this scholarship and believe he embodies the academic excellence, leadership, and character your program seeks.”
Additionally, including an invitation to contact the recommender for more information adds credibility: “Please feel free to contact me if you need additional details about David’s accomplishments and character.”
8. Professional Tone and Formatting
While content is essential, presentation also matters. A scholarship recommendation letter should:
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Be one page in length (unless otherwise specified).
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Use a professional tone, free of grammatical errors.
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Include the recommender’s contact information.
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Be formatted like a formal letter with a proper greeting and closing.
Polished formatting signals professionalism and respect for the scholarship committee’s time.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Being Too Generic: A letter filled with clichés like “hardworking” or “nice student” without examples adds little value.
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Rehashing the Resume: The letter should provide context and stories that go beyond the student’s listed accomplishments.
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Focusing Only on Academics: Committees want a holistic view of the applicant’s character and potential.
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Using a Negative or Lukewarm Tone: A hesitant or neutral recommendation can harm the student’s chances.
Final Thoughts
A scholarship recommendation letter is more than a formality—it is a persuasive document that can elevate a student’s application above the competition. The most effective letters balance academic evidence, personal qualities, extracurricular contributions, and future potential while tailoring the content to the scholarship’s mission.
By including specific examples, authentic praise, and a strong endorsement, recommenders can help students unlock opportunities that change the course of their education and future.
In short, the best letters do three things: they tell a story about the student, they highlight the qualities that align with the scholarship, and they leave no doubt that the applicant deserves the award.