Back in school, the scholarships I received played a big role in my education.
They didn’t just cover the cost of my studies but also supported my off-school activities – which made my entire experience even better.
At first, applying for, and getting scholarships was stressful – I had to write a good letter and stand out from many others.
But once I found the right approach, it got much easier.
Here’s the truth; a well-written scholarship application letter can give you a real advantage.
If you’re trying to write a scholarship application letter that grabs the attention of the selection committee and makes you stand out, here are some tips that helped me.
How to write a scholarship application letter
To write a good scholarship application letter, go through the “scholarship eligibility requirements” before starting your letter.
1. Understand the requirements
Thoroughly read and understand the scholarship requirements.
Pay close attention to guidelines, conditions or prompts from the scholarship committee.
This understanding will help you tailor your letter to meet their expectations.
Do not write your letter if you don’t know the requirements for the scholarship.
If I’m writing a scholarship application letter right now, I’ll first go over the scholarship details, and know what the providers want from applicants.
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The more you understand what the scholarship providers are looking for in every applicant, the better you put your letter to satisfy them.
2. Research the scholarship provider
If you have never done this before, then you have been getting it all wrong.
This is super important!
Take your time to know the organization or institution offering the scholarship.
Understand their mission, values, and objectives.
This information will help you understand how to align your letter with the goals of the scholarship providers – which shows you’re genuinely interested in the scholarship.
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Some scholarship providers are looking for applicants with interest in their industry.
3. Personalize your salutation
Your scholarship letter starts with a salutation.
Do not address the scholarship committee or selection panel with a generic salutation – it’ll make your letter appear impersonal.
Instead, try to find the names of the individuals responsible for reviewing applications and address them directly.
Personalizing the salutation shows you pay attention to detail and creates a positive first impression.
In addition, it shows you have an interest in the providers.
4. Make your introduction compelling
In the first paragraph, grab the reader’s attention by stating your purpose and expressing gratitude for the opportunity to apply for the scholarship.
Share a brief personal anecdote or a captivating statement related to your field of study.
Remember to mention the specific scholarship you are applying for.
5. Include your achievements
The body of your letter should focus on showcasing your accomplishments, experiences, and qualifications.
Use this section to demonstrate why you are the ideal person for the scholarship.
Include your academic achievements, extracurricular activities, leadership roles, community service, and any relevant work experience.
6. Connect your academic goals to the scholarship
Explain how receiving the scholarship will help you achieve your academic and career goals.
Discuss how the financial support will contribute to your education and how you plan to contribute meaningfully in your field of study.
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This connection between your aspirations and the scholarship’s purpose will strengthen your application.
7. Be authentic and genuine
While you need to present your achievements, it’s equally important that you remain authentic and genuine throughout your letter.
Avoid exaggerations or fabrications – most scholarship committees value honesty and integrity.
Let your true passion and enthusiasm shine through your words.
8. Use a professional tone
Maintain a professional tone throughout your letter.
Avoid slang, jargon, or overly casual language.
However, remember to infuse your writing with your unique voice to make it more engaging and relatable.
9. Proofread and edit
Before submitting your application, thoroughly proofread your letter for any grammatical errors, spelling mistakes, or typos.
In addition, check for clarity, coherence, and flow of your ideas.
You can give your letter to a teacher, mentor, or family member for feedback.
Your target is to ensure your letter is polished and error-free.
10. Follow formatting guidelines
Ensure you follow any formatting guidelines mentioned by the providers.
Pay attention to font size, spacing, and margins.
Use a professional font like Arial or Times New Roman to make it more readable.
When you follow formatting instructions, it shows you pay attention to detail.
When you write, follow the tips here and you’ll present a stand-out scholarship application letter.
Mistakes to avoid when writing a scholarship application letter
When writing your scholarship application letter, your target is to prove to the selection committee that you deserve to be a recipient of the scholarship.
To achieve this, here are the mistakes you should avoid:
- Lack of research: Make sure you study the scholarship details and the organization or institution providing it. It’ll help you understand what they need better. You can even check previous recipients – what made them stand out.
- Poor organization: A disorganized letter will be confusing to read – a hard-to-read scholarship letter is a red flag – You must make your letter clear – and easy to read.
- Ignoring instructions: Each scholarship opportunity has guidelines and requirements. Follow these guidelines thoroughly.
- Overly generic content: Using generic statements and clichés will make your letter seem insincere and impersonal – avoid it.
- Neglecting proofreading: Grammatical errors, typos, and spelling mistakes will create a negative impression about you – proofread after writing.
- Lack of focus: Your letter should focus on your main points and not veer off-topic – each paragraph should contribute to your overall message.
- Exaggeration and dishonesty: Honesty will win it for you – any misleading claims will harm your chances of being selected.
- Poorly written introduction: The introduction sets the tone for your entire letter – make it worth it.
- Lack of enthusiasm: Know this; your scholarship application letter should convey your passion and genuine interest in the field of study or program for which you’re applying.
- Inadequate evidence or support: Back up your claims with evidence.
By avoiding these common mistakes, you’ll improve the quality of your scholarship application letter and increase your chances.
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While you can use any sample you find online, do not forget to customize the letter to the particular scholarship you’re applying for.
Do not use the same letter for different scholarships.
Sample application letter for scholarship
Below are samples that we hope you can draw inspiration from.
Sample 1:
“[Scholarship Committee]
[Scholarship Organization Name]
[Address]
[City, State, ZIP Code]
Dear Members of the Scholarship Committee,
I am writing to apply for the [Name of Scholarship] offered by your esteemed organization.
As an aspiring [field of study] student, I am committed to pursuing academic excellence and making a positive impact in my community.
I believe that receiving this scholarship would greatly assist me in achieving my educational and career goals.
I have maintained a consistently high GPA throughout my academic journey, demonstrating my dedication to my studies.
However, financial constraints have made it challenging for me to pursue higher education without external support.
This scholarship would not only alleviate my financial burden but also enable me to fully immerse myself in my studies and extracurricular activities.
In addition to my academic achievements, I have actively participated in various community service initiatives, such as volunteering at local shelters and organizing educational campaigns for underprivileged children.
These experiences have shaped my passion for making a difference in the lives of others, and I aspire to continue my community involvement in college.
I have carefully researched your scholarship program, and I am impressed by the values and mission of your organization.
Your commitment to supporting talented and deserving students aligns perfectly with my aspirations.
If awarded this scholarship, I pledge to uphold the principles and expectations set forth by your organization.
Enclosed with this letter, you will find my completed scholarship application, transcripts, letters of recommendation, and other required documents.
I am confident that these materials reflect my academic abilities, personal achievements, and potential to succeed in higher education.
I would be deeply grateful for the opportunity to be considered for the [Name of Scholarship]. Thank you for taking the time to review my application.
I eagerly anticipate the possibility of contributing to your organization’s vision while furthering my educational pursuits.
Should you require any additional information, please do not hesitate to contact me at the provided email address or phone number.
Yours sincerely,
[Your Name]”
Sample 2
“[Scholarship Committee]
[Scholarship Organization Name]
[Address] [City, State, ZIP Code]
Dear Members of the Scholarship Committee,
I am writing to apply for the [Name of Scholarship] offered by your organization. With great enthusiasm and a strong desire to pursue a degree in [field of study], I believe that this scholarship would be instrumental in helping me achieve my academic and professional goals.
Since a young age, I have been passionate about [field of study] and have actively sought opportunities to expand my knowledge in this area.
However, due to financial limitations, I need financial assistance to realize my aspirations.
Your scholarship program, which supports students dedicated to excellence and innovation, aligns perfectly with my ambitions.
Throughout my academic journey, I have consistently strived for academic excellence, maintaining a high GPA and actively participating in various extracurricular activities related to my field of interest.
I have also sought out internships and practical experiences to supplement my classroom learning.
However, the financial burden of tuition, books, and living expenses has posed a significant obstacle to my educational pursuits.
Beyond my academic achievements, I have been actively engaged in my community. I have volunteered at local organizations, where I had the opportunity to contribute my skills and make a positive impact on the lives of others.
These experiences have reinforced my belief in the power of education to transform lives and have further motivated me to pursue higher education in [field of study].
Enclosed with this letter, you’ll find my completed scholarship application, academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, and other supporting documents required.
I am confident that these materials will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of my academic capabilities, personal achievements, and potential for success in my chosen field.
Thank you for considering my application for the [Name of Scholarship]. I am extremely grateful for your time and consideration.
I eagerly look forward to the possibility of being selected as a recipient and the opportunity to contribute to the scholarship’s mission.
Should you require any further information, please feel free to contact me at the provided email address or phone number.
Yours sincerely,
[Your Name]”
You can personalize these sample letters by including your details and experiences.
FAQs
What should be the length of a scholarship application letter?
There is no specific length for a scholarship letter, however, your letter should be concise and to the point.
Go for a length of around 300-400 words.
Some scholarships have specific word requirements, follow the instructions of the scholarship in such cases.
Can I use the same letter for multiple scholarships?
While it will be tempting to reuse a scholarship application letter, do not use the same letter for multiple scholarships.
Write a letter for each scholarship, do not use one letter for all scholarship applications.
Should I include my financial needs in the letter?
If the scholarship you are applying for is based on financial need, include relevant information about your financial circumstances.
Honestly explain how the scholarship will change your financial situation and help your academics.
How can I make my application letter stand out?
To make your application letter stand out, study the scholarship requirements, and focus on highlighting your unique qualities, experiences, and achievements and how the scholarship aligns with your goal.
Use compelling language, storytelling techniques, and examples to engage the reader.
In addition, show a strong connection between your goals and the scholarship’s purpose.
Is it necessary to include letters of recommendation with the application letter?
While it is not always required, including letters of recommendation where it is allowed is necessary and can strengthen your scholarship application.
Your recommendation letter should come from people in the same industry as the scholarship providers.
Can I submit my application letter electronically?
Many scholarship providers accept electronic submissions. Check the application guidelines for instructions on how to submit your letter.
If electronic submission is allowed, submit your letter electronically.
If you want to secure a scholarship, a compelling letter will increase your chances.
Before writing your letter, study the scholarship requirements, and personalize the letter to suit the scholarship requirements.
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