Crafting Compelling Scholarship Recommendation Letters
A strong recommendation letter is crucial for scholarship applicants. It provides valuable insights into a candidate’s character, skills, and potential, going beyond what grades and test scores can convey. These letters offer a unique perspective from educators, mentors, or employers who have witnessed the applicant’s growth and achievements firsthand. A well-written recommendation can significantly impact a scholarship committee’s decision.
Key Elements of a Successful Recommendation
A great scholarship recommendation letter isn’t just about praising the applicant. It should be specific, detailed, and highlight qualities that align with the scholarship’s objectives. It should showcase the applicant’s skills in areas like academic performance, leadership abilities, and community involvement. Focusing on specific anecdotes and examples strengthens the letter’s credibility and makes a lasting impression on the review committee. Always address the letter to a specific person or the scholarship committee directly, if possible.
Leveraging Examples for Inspiration
Reviewing sample recommendation letters can provide valuable insights into effective writing strategies and content organization. Below, you’ll find a collection of 22 sample letters, each showcasing different approaches to highlighting a candidate’s strengths and accomplishments. Use these examples as inspiration, but always tailor your letter to the individual applicant and the specific scholarship requirements. Remember to personalize each letter with concrete examples and avoid generic statements.
22 Scholarship Letter of Recommendation Samples
Sample 1
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Institution/Company]
[Your Email]
[Your Phone Number]
[Date]
Scholarship Committee
[Scholarship Name]
[Address]
Dear Scholarship Committee,
It is with great pleasure that I recommend [Applicant Name] for the [Scholarship Name]. I have had the privilege of knowing [Applicant Name] as their [Your Role – e.g., teacher, mentor, supervisor] at [Your Institution/Company] for the past [Number] years/months.
[Applicant Name] consistently demonstrates exceptional [Specific Skill 1, e.g., academic curiosity] and [Specific Skill 2, e.g., problem-solving abilities]. For example, in [Specific Situation/Project], [He/She/They] [Specific Action/Accomplishment]. This demonstrates [Quality highlighted, e.g., their dedication to learning and their ability to apply knowledge effectively].
Beyond academics, [Applicant Name] is also actively involved in [Extracurricular Activities/Community Involvement]. [He/She/They] is a [Leadership Role] in [Organization] and has consistently shown [Leadership Qualities]. This demonstrates [Another Quality highlighted, e.g., their commitment to making a positive impact on the community].
I am confident that [Applicant Name] possesses the qualities and potential to excel in their future endeavors and to make significant contributions to [Field of Study/Community]. Therefore, I highly recommend [him/her/them] for the [Scholarship Name]. Please feel free to contact me if you have any further questions.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 2
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Institution/Company]
[Your Email]
[Your Phone Number]
[Date]
Admissions Committee
[University Name]
[Address]
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing to enthusiastically recommend [Applicant Name] for the [Scholarship Name]. I have known [Applicant Name] for the past [Number] years as their [Your Role – e.g., teacher, mentor, supervisor] at [Your Institution/Company]. I have been consistently impressed with [his/her/their] dedication and academic prowess.
[Applicant Name] is an exceptional student who has consistently excelled in my [Subject Name] class. [He/She/They] consistently goes above and beyond what is expected, demonstrating a genuine thirst for knowledge and a strong work ethic. I recall a time when [Specific Situation/Project], [He/She/They] [Specific Action/Accomplishment]. This shows their [Quality highlighted, e.g., ability to learn independently and their passion for the subject].
[Applicant Name] is also actively involved in [Extracurricular Activities/Community Involvement]. This demonstrates [Another Quality highlighted, e.g., leadership skills and their dedication to making a difference]. I am confident that [Applicant Name] possesses the academic abilities, personal qualities, and strong work ethic needed to excel in their future studies and become a valuable member of your community.
Therefore, I wholeheartedly recommend [him/her/them] for the [Scholarship Name]. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 3
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Institution/Company]
[Your Email]
[Your Phone Number]
[Date]
Scholarship Committee
[Scholarship Name]
[Address]
Dear Scholarship Committee,
It is with immense pleasure that I recommend [Applicant Name] for the [Scholarship Name]. As [Applicant Name]’s [Your Role – e.g., teacher, mentor, supervisor] at [Your Institution/Company] for the last [Number] years, I’ve witnessed firsthand [his/her/their] remarkable growth and potential.
[Applicant Name] is not just a student; [He/She/They] is an innovator and a leader. In [Specific Situation/Project], [He/She/They] demonstrated [Specific Skill] by [Specific Action/Accomplishment]. This showcases [Quality highlighted, e.g., their creativity, problem-solving skills, and dedication to excellence].
Furthermore, [Applicant Name]’s commitment to [Community Involvement/Extracurricular Activity] is truly inspiring. [He/She/They] [Specific Action/Accomplishment] which resulted in [Positive Outcome]. This highlights [Another Quality highlighted, e.g., their empathy, leadership, and commitment to service].
I am absolutely certain that [Applicant Name] will make significant contributions to [Field of Study/Community] and embodies the spirit of the [Scholarship Name]. I wholeheartedly recommend [him/her/them] without reservation. Please feel free to contact me with any questions.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 4
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Institution/Company]
[Your Email]
[Your Phone Number]
[Date]
Scholarship Committee
[Scholarship Name]
[Address]
Dear Scholarship Committee,
I am writing to enthusiastically recommend [Applicant Name] for the [Scholarship Name]. I have had the pleasure of being [Applicant Name]’s [Your Role – e.g., teacher, mentor, supervisor] at [Your Institution/Company] for [Number] years, and during that time, I have been consistently impressed by [his/her/their] intellectual curiosity and dedication to learning.
[Applicant Name] possesses a unique ability to grasp complex concepts quickly and apply them effectively. For instance, during [Specific Situation/Project], [He/She/They] [Specific Action/Accomplishment]. This demonstrated [Quality highlighted, e.g., their critical thinking skills and their ability to work independently].
Beyond the classroom, [Applicant Name] actively participates in [Extracurricular Activities/Community Involvement]. [He/She/They] is a [Leadership Role] and consistently demonstrates [Leadership Qualities]. This demonstrates [Another Quality highlighted, e.g., their commitment to teamwork, leadership, and community engagement].
I am confident that [Applicant Name] has the potential to make significant contributions to [Field of Study] and is a deserving candidate for the [Scholarship Name]. I highly recommend [him/her/them] without reservation. Please contact me if you require any further information.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 5
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Institution/Company]
[Your Email]
[Your Phone Number]
[Date]
Scholarship Committee
[Scholarship Name]
[Address]
Dear Scholarship Committee,
It is with great enthusiasm that I recommend [Applicant Name] for the [Scholarship Name]. I have known [Applicant Name] for [Number] years as [Your Role – e.g., teacher, mentor, supervisor] at [Your Institution/Company], and I have been consistently impressed by [his/her/their] academic excellence and exceptional character.
[Applicant Name] is a truly exceptional student with a genuine passion for [Field of Study]. [He/She/They] consistently excels in [Specific Subject/Area], demonstrating a deep understanding of the material and a remarkable ability to think critically. During [Specific Situation/Project], [He/She/They] [Specific Action/Accomplishment]. This showcases [Quality highlighted, e.g., their intelligence, problem-solving skills, and dedication to academic pursuits].
Furthermore, [Applicant Name] is actively involved in [Extracurricular Activities/Community Involvement]. [He/She/They] is a [Leadership Role] in [Organization] and dedicates significant time to [Specific Activity]. This demonstrates [Another Quality highlighted, e.g., their commitment to making a positive impact on the community and their leadership potential].
I am certain that [Applicant Name] will be a valuable asset to your scholarship program and will make significant contributions to [Field of Study]. I highly recommend [him/her/them] for the [Scholarship Name] without any hesitation. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you require any further information.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 6
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Institution/Company]
[Your Email]
[Your Phone Number]
[Date]
Scholarship Committee
[Scholarship Name]
[Address]
Dear Scholarship Committee,
I am writing to offer my strongest possible recommendation for [Applicant Name] for the [Scholarship Name]. I have had the pleasure of knowing [Applicant Name] as [Your Role – e.g., teacher, mentor, supervisor] at [Your Institution/Company] for the past [Number] years, and I have consistently been impressed by [his/her/their] intelligence, work ethic, and commitment to excellence.
[Applicant Name] is an exceptionally bright and motivated student who consistently exceeds expectations. [He/She/They] has a remarkable ability to grasp complex concepts and apply them creatively. For example, in [Specific Situation/Project], [He/She/They] [Specific Action/Accomplishment]. This demonstrates [Quality highlighted, e.g., their analytical skills, problem-solving abilities, and intellectual curiosity].
Beyond academics, [Applicant Name] is also a dedicated and compassionate individual who is committed to making a difference in the world. [He/She/They] actively participates in [Extracurricular Activities/Community Involvement] and has demonstrated exceptional leadership skills in [Specific Role]. This shows [Another Quality highlighted, e.g., their leadership abilities, teamwork skills, and commitment to social responsibility].
I am confident that [Applicant Name] has the potential to make significant contributions to [Field of Study] and is a truly deserving candidate for the [Scholarship Name]. I wholeheartedly recommend [him/her/them] without reservation. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 7
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Institution/Company]
[Your Email]
[Your Phone Number]
[Date]
Scholarship Committee
[Scholarship Name]
[Address]
Dear Scholarship Committee,
It is with great pleasure that I recommend [Applicant Name] for the prestigious [Scholarship Name]. As [Your Role – e.g., teacher, mentor, supervisor] at [Your Institution/Company] for the past [Number] years, I have had ample opportunity to observe [Applicant Name]’s exceptional qualities and potential.
[Applicant Name] consistently demonstrates an unparalleled dedication to [Field of Study] and possesses a remarkable aptitude for [Specific Skill]. During [Specific Situation/Project], [He/She/They] [Specific Action/Accomplishment], effectively demonstrating [Quality highlighted, e.g., their mastery of the subject matter and their ability to apply knowledge in practical settings].
Furthermore, [Applicant Name]’s involvement in [Extracurricular Activities/Community Involvement] highlights [his/her/their] commitment to [Specific Cause/Value]. [He/She/They] takes initiative and consistently exceeds expectations in [Specific Role], underscoring [Another Quality highlighted, e.g., their leadership qualities and dedication to serving others].
I am absolutely certain that [Applicant Name] will thrive in [his/her/their] future academic pursuits and make a lasting impact on [Field of Study]. I wholeheartedly endorse [him/her/them] for the [Scholarship Name]. Please do not hesitate to reach out if you require additional information.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 8
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Institution/Company]
[Your Email]
[Your Phone Number]
[Date]
Scholarship Committee
[Scholarship Name]
[Address]
Dear Scholarship Committee,
I am writing to strongly recommend [Applicant Name] for the [Scholarship Name]. I have been [Applicant Name]’s [Your Role – e.g., teacher, mentor, supervisor] at [Your Institution/Company] for [Number] years, and during that time, I have been consistently impressed with [his/her/their] intellectual curiosity, dedication, and leadership abilities.
[Applicant Name] is a truly exceptional student who consistently demonstrates a strong understanding of [Field of Study] and a passion for learning. [He/She/They] consistently goes above and beyond what is expected, asking insightful questions and actively participating in class discussions. In [Specific Situation/Project], [He/She/They] [Specific Action/Accomplishment]. This demonstrated [Quality highlighted, e.g., their critical thinking skills and their ability to analyze complex information].
In addition to [his/her/their] academic achievements, [Applicant Name] is also actively involved in [Extracurricular Activities/Community Involvement]. [He/She/They] is a [Leadership Role] in [Organization] and has demonstrated exceptional leadership skills. This shows [Another Quality highlighted, e.g., their commitment to teamwork, leadership, and service].
I am confident that [Applicant Name] has the potential to make significant contributions to [Field of Study] and is a highly deserving candidate for the [Scholarship Name]. I highly recommend [him/her/them] without reservation. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any further questions.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 9
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Institution/Company]
[Your Email]
[Your Phone Number]
[Date]
Scholarship Committee
[Scholarship Name]
[Address]
Dear Scholarship Committee,
It is with unwavering enthusiasm that I recommend [Applicant Name] for the [Scholarship Name]. I have had the distinct pleasure of serving as [Applicant Name]’s [Your Role – e.g., teacher, mentor, supervisor] at [Your Institution/Company] for [Number] years, and I have been consistently struck by [his/her/their] exceptional intellect, unwavering work ethic, and profound commitment to [Field of Study].
[Applicant Name] possesses an extraordinary capacity for learning and an innate ability to connect seemingly disparate concepts. During [Specific Situation/Project], [He/She/They] [Specific Action/Accomplishment]. This illustrates [Quality highlighted, e.g., their intellectual curiosity, problem-solving abilities, and their dedication to pushing the boundaries of knowledge].
Beyond the classroom, [Applicant Name] demonstrates a deep commitment to [Extracurricular Activities/Community Involvement]. As [Specific Role] in [Organization], [He/She/They] consistently [Specific Action/Accomplishment], exemplifying [Another Quality highlighted, e.g., their leadership, empathy, and commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of others].
I am absolutely convinced that [Applicant Name] will make significant contributions to [Field of Study] and embodies the ideals of the [Scholarship Name]. I offer my strongest possible recommendation without reservation. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you require any further information.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 10
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Institution/Company]
[Your Email]
[Your Phone Number]
[Date]
Scholarship Committee
[Scholarship Name]
[Address]
Dear Scholarship Committee,
I am pleased to offer my enthusiastic recommendation for [Applicant Name] for the [Scholarship Name]. I have known [Applicant Name] for [Number] years as their [Your Role – e.g., teacher, mentor, supervisor] at [Your Institution/Company], and I have been consistently impressed by [his/her/their] academic achievements, strong work ethic, and leadership qualities.
[Applicant Name] is a highly motivated and intelligent student who consistently demonstrates a deep understanding of [Field of Study]. [He/She/They] consistently seeks out opportunities to expand [his/her/their] knowledge and skills. During [Specific Situation/Project], [He/She/They] [Specific Action/Accomplishment]. This clearly demonstrates [Quality highlighted, e.g., their ability to learn independently, their problem-solving abilities, and their passion for the subject].
Furthermore, [Applicant Name] is actively involved in [Extracurricular Activities/Community Involvement]. [He/She/They] is a [Leadership Role] in [Organization] and has demonstrated exceptional leadership skills. This shows [Another Quality highlighted, e.g., their commitment to teamwork, their organizational skills, and their dedication to serving others].
I am confident that [Applicant Name] has the potential to make significant contributions to [Field of Study] and is a deserving candidate for the [Scholarship Name]. I highly recommend [him/her/them] without any hesitation. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any further questions.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 11
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Institution/Company]
[Your Email]
[Your Phone Number]
[Date]
Scholarship Committee
[Scholarship Name]
[Address]
Dear Scholarship Committee,
I am writing to recommend [Applicant Name] for the [Scholarship Name] with great enthusiasm. I have known [Applicant Name] as [Your Role – e.g., teacher, mentor, supervisor] at [Your Institution/Company] for [Number] years, and during that time, I have witnessed firsthand [his/her/their] dedication, intelligence, and exceptional potential.
[Applicant Name] is an outstanding student who consistently demonstrates a deep understanding of [Field of Study] and a genuine thirst for knowledge. In [Specific Situation/Project], [He/She/They] [Specific Action/Accomplishment]. This exemplifies [Quality highlighted, e.g., their critical thinking skills, their creativity, and their ability to apply theoretical knowledge to practical problems].
Beyond academics, [Applicant Name] is also deeply committed to [Extracurricular Activities/Community Involvement]. As [Specific Role], [He/She/They] consistently [Specific Action/Accomplishment], showcasing [Another Quality highlighted, e.g., their leadership abilities, their empathy, and their dedication to making a positive impact on the community].
I am confident that [Applicant Name] will excel in [his/her/their] future endeavors and make significant contributions to [Field of Study]. I wholeheartedly recommend [him/her/them] for the [Scholarship Name]. Please feel free to contact me if you require any further information.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 12
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Institution/Company]
[Your Email]
[Your Phone Number]
[Date]
Scholarship Committee
[Scholarship Name]
[Address]
Dear Scholarship Committee,
It is with great confidence that I recommend [Applicant Name] for the [Scholarship Name]. I have been [Applicant Name]’s [Your Role – e.g., teacher, mentor, supervisor] at [Your Institution/Company] for the past [Number] years, and I have been consistently impressed by [his/her/their] intellectual curiosity, dedication, and passion for learning.
[Applicant Name] consistently demonstrates an exceptional grasp of complex concepts and a remarkable ability to apply [his/her/their] knowledge to solve real-world problems. During [Specific Situation/Project], [He/She/They] [Specific Action/Accomplishment]. This clearly demonstrates [Quality highlighted, e.g., their analytical skills, their critical thinking abilities, and their commitment to finding innovative solutions].
In addition to [his/her/their] academic achievements, [Applicant Name] is also actively involved in [Extracurricular Activities/Community Involvement]. [He/She/They] is a [Leadership Role] in [Organization] and has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership skills, which exemplifies [Another Quality highlighted, e.g., their commitment to teamwork, their organizational skills, and their dedication to serving the community].
I am certain that [Applicant Name] possesses the intellectual capacity, dedication, and leadership skills to succeed in [his/her/their] future academic endeavors and make significant contributions to [Field of Study]. I highly recommend [him/her/them] for the [Scholarship Name] without reservation. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any further questions.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 13
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Institution/Company]
[Your Email]
[Your Phone Number]
[Date]
Scholarship Committee
[Scholarship Name]
[Address]
Dear Scholarship Committee,
It is with great pleasure that I enthusiastically recommend [Applicant Name] for the [Scholarship Name]. I have had the opportunity to know [Applicant Name] as [Your Role – e.g., teacher, mentor, supervisor] at [Your Institution/Company] for the past [Number] years. I have been consistently impressed with [his/her/their] exceptional character, academic achievements, and commitment to excellence.
[Applicant Name] consistently demonstrates an exceptional understanding of complex concepts and possesses a remarkable ability to think critically and creatively. For example, during [Specific Situation/Project], [He/She/They] [Specific Action/Accomplishment]. This demonstrates [Quality highlighted, e.g., their analytical skills, their problem-solving abilities, and their ability to work independently].
In addition to [his/her/their] academic achievements, [Applicant Name] is also actively involved in [Extracurricular Activities/Community Involvement]. [He/She/They] is a [Leadership Role] in [Organization] and consistently demonstrates exceptional leadership skills and commitment to service. This highlights [Another Quality highlighted, e.g., their compassion, their leadership abilities, and their dedication to making a positive impact on the lives of others].
I am confident that [Applicant Name] possesses the intellectual capacity, personal qualities, and leadership potential to excel in their future academic pursuits and make significant contributions to [Field of Study]. I wholeheartedly recommend [him/her/them] for the [Scholarship Name] without any hesitation. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 14
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Institution/Company]
[Your Email]
[Your Phone Number]
[Date]
Scholarship Committee
[Scholarship Name]
[Address]
Dear Scholarship Committee,
It is with great pleasure that I recommend [Applicant Name] for the [Scholarship Name]. As [Applicant Name]’s [Your Role – e.g., teacher, mentor, supervisor] at [Your Institution/Company] for the past [Number] years, I have had the opportunity to witness firsthand [his/her/their] outstanding academic achievements and exceptional character.
[Applicant Name] is an exceptionally bright and motivated student who consistently excels in all [his/her/their] academic endeavors. [He/She/They] possesses a remarkable ability to grasp complex concepts and articulate [his/her/their] ideas clearly and persuasively. During [Specific Situation/Project], [He/She/They] [Specific Action/Accomplishment]. This demonstrates [Quality highlighted, e.g., their analytical skills, their problem-solving abilities, and their ability to think critically].
In addition to [his/her/their] academic excellence, [Applicant Name] is also actively involved in [Extracurricular Activities/Community Involvement]. [He/She/They] is a [Leadership Role] in [Organization] and has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership skills and a strong commitment to serving others. This exemplifies [Another Quality highlighted, e.g., their empathy, their leadership qualities, and their dedication to making a positive impact on the community].
I am confident that [Applicant Name] has the intellectual capacity, personal qualities, and leadership skills to succeed in [his/her/their] future academic pursuits and make significant contributions to [Field of Study]. I wholeheartedly recommend [him/her/them] for the [Scholarship Name] without any reservation. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 15
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Institution/Company]
[Your Email]
[Your Phone Number]
[Date]
Scholarship Committee
[Scholarship Name]
[Address]
Dear Scholarship Committee,
It is with immense pleasure that I recommend [Applicant Name] for the distinguished [Scholarship Name]. I have had the privilege of knowing [Applicant Name] as [Your Role – e.g., teacher, mentor, supervisor] at [Your Institution/Company] for the past [Number] years, and I am consistently impressed by [his/her/their] unwavering dedication, exceptional intellect, and profound commitment to [Field of Study].
[Applicant Name] consistently demonstrates an exceptional aptitude for [Specific Skill] and possesses a remarkable ability to synthesize complex information and develop innovative solutions. During [Specific Situation/Project], [He/She/They] [Specific Action/Accomplishment]. This demonstrates [Quality highlighted, e.g., their problem-solving abilities, their analytical skills, and their commitment to pushing the boundaries of knowledge].
Beyond [his/her/their] academic achievements, [Applicant Name] is also deeply committed to [Extracurricular Activities/Community Involvement]. As [Specific Role] in [Organization], [He/She/They] consistently [Specific Action/Accomplishment], showcasing [Another Quality highlighted, e.g., their leadership skills, their compassion, and their dedication to making a positive impact on the lives of others].
I am confident that [Applicant Name] possesses the intellectual capacity, personal qualities, and leadership potential to excel in [his/her/their] future academic pursuits and make significant contributions to [Field of Study]. I wholeheartedly recommend [him/her/them] for the [Scholarship Name] without reservation. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 16
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Institution/Company]
[Your Email]
[Your Phone Number]
[Date]
Scholarship Committee
[Scholarship Name]
[Address]
Dear Scholarship Committee,
It is with great enthusiasm that I recommend [Applicant Name] for the prestigious [Scholarship Name]. I have had the distinct privilege of knowing [Applicant Name] as [Your Role – e.
