Crafting a Compelling Scholarship Recommendation Letter
A strong recommendation letter is crucial for scholarship applicants. It provides insight into the applicant’s character, skills, and potential, complementing their academic record and personal statement. A well-written letter goes beyond simply stating facts; it paints a vivid picture of the applicant, highlighting their unique qualities and suitability for the scholarship.
Key Elements of an Effective Letter
When writing a scholarship recommendation, focus on specific examples that demonstrate the applicant’s strengths. Highlight their academic achievements, leadership abilities, community involvement, and any relevant skills or experiences. Quantify their accomplishments whenever possible to provide concrete evidence of their impact. Most importantly, convey your sincere belief in the applicant’s potential for success.
Dos and Don’ts for Recommendation Letters
Do personalize the letter to the specific scholarship, addressing the criteria and mission of the organization. Do use strong action verbs and vivid language to make the letter engaging and memorable. Do proofread carefully for any errors in grammar or spelling. Don’t simply reiterate information from the applicant’s resume or transcript. Don’t make generalizations without providing specific examples. And don’t wait until the last minute to write the letter.
20 Sample Scholarship Recommendation Letters
Sample Letter 1
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Institution]
[Your Email]
[Your Phone Number]
[Date]
Scholarship Committee
[Scholarship Name]
[Organization Name]
Dear Scholarship Committee,
It is with great pleasure that I recommend [Applicant Name] for the [Scholarship Name] scholarship. I have known [Applicant Name] for [Number] years as their [Your Role – e.g., teacher, advisor, mentor] at [Institution Name]. During this time, I have been consistently impressed by their [Positive Qualities – e.g., intelligence, work ethic, dedication].
[Applicant Name] demonstrated exceptional [Specific Skill – e.g., critical thinking skills, leadership abilities] in my [Course Name/Project Name]. For example, [Specific Example of their skill demonstrated]. This proactive approach and commitment to excellence make them an ideal candidate for this scholarship.
[Applicant Name] also possesses strong [Positive Quality – e.g., interpersonal skills, communication skills] which are evident in their interactions with peers and faculty. They are a [Positive Adjective – e.g., highly motivated, responsible, and compassionate] individual who is always willing to help others.
I am confident that [Applicant Name] will make significant contributions to [Field of Study/Community]. I wholeheartedly recommend them for this scholarship. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you require any further information.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Sample Letter 2
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Institution]
[Your Email]
[Your Phone Number]
[Date]
Scholarship Committee
[Scholarship Name]
[Organization Name]
Dear Scholarship Committee,
I am writing to enthusiastically recommend [Applicant Name] for the [Scholarship Name] scholarship. I have had the pleasure of knowing [Applicant Name] as their [Your Role] at [Institution Name] for the past [Number] years.
[Applicant Name]’s academic performance is consistently outstanding. They are a highly motivated and intellectually curious student. In [Course Name], they demonstrated a strong grasp of complex concepts and consistently exceeded expectations. Their insightful contributions to class discussions and their meticulous attention to detail in their assignments were particularly impressive.
Beyond their academic achievements, [Applicant Name] is an active member of the [School/Community] community. They are involved in [Extracurricular Activities] and have demonstrated a strong commitment to [Cause/Organization]. This dedication to serving others reflects their strong character and their desire to make a positive impact on the world.
I am certain that [Applicant Name] possesses the intellectual ability, the personal qualities, and the drive to succeed in their future endeavors. I highly recommend them for this scholarship without reservation. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Sample Letter 3
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Institution]
[Your Email]
[Your Phone Number]
[Date]
Scholarship Committee
[Scholarship Name]
[Organization Name]
Dear Scholarship Committee,
I am delighted to recommend [Applicant Name] for the [Scholarship Name] scholarship. As [Applicant Name]’s [Your Role – e.g., supervisor, coach, mentor] at [Organization/Institution], I have witnessed firsthand their exceptional potential and dedication.
[Applicant Name] is a highly resourceful and creative individual. In their role as [Applicant’s Role], they consistently exceeded expectations. For example, [Specific Example of their achievement and impact]. This demonstrates their ability to think critically, solve problems effectively, and contribute meaningfully to the team.
Furthermore, [Applicant Name] possesses excellent communication and interpersonal skills. They are able to effectively communicate their ideas to others and work collaboratively in a team environment. They are also a highly motivated and self-directed learner, always seeking opportunities to expand their knowledge and skills.
I am confident that [Applicant Name] has the potential to make significant contributions to [Field of Study/Industry]. I wholeheartedly recommend them for this scholarship and believe that it will provide them with the resources they need to achieve their goals. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any further questions.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Sample Letter 4
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Institution]
[Your Email]
[Your Phone Number]
[Date]
Scholarship Committee
[Scholarship Name]
[Organization Name]
Dear Scholarship Committee,
I am pleased to offer my strongest recommendation for [Applicant Name] as a candidate for the [Scholarship Name] scholarship. I have had the privilege of knowing [Applicant Name] for [Number] years as their [Your Role].
[Applicant Name] is a truly exceptional individual. They possess a rare combination of intellectual curiosity, academic rigor, and genuine compassion. In [Specific Course/Project], they demonstrated a remarkable ability to [Specific Skill/Achievement]. This is a testament to their dedication, their critical thinking skills, and their unwavering commitment to excellence.
Beyond their academic accomplishments, [Applicant Name] is actively involved in [Community Involvement/Extracurricular Activities]. Their work with [Organization/Cause] demonstrates their commitment to social responsibility and their desire to make a positive impact on the lives of others.
I am confident that [Applicant Name] is an outstanding candidate for this scholarship and that they will make significant contributions to your program and to the world. I highly recommend them without reservation. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you require any further information.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Sample Letter 5
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Institution]
[Your Email]
[Your Phone Number]
[Date]
Scholarship Committee
[Scholarship Name]
[Organization Name]
Dear Scholarship Committee,
It is with great enthusiasm that I recommend [Applicant Name] for the [Scholarship Name] scholarship. I have had the distinct pleasure of knowing [Applicant Name] as their [Your Role, e.g., Professor, Mentor] at [Institution Name] for the past [Number] years.
[Applicant Name] possesses a rare combination of intellectual curiosity and unwavering dedication. They consistently demonstrate a thirst for knowledge and a commitment to academic excellence. In my [Course Name] class, [Applicant Name] consistently exceeded expectations, demonstrating a deep understanding of the material and a remarkable ability to apply it to complex problems. Specifically, their [Specific Project/Assignment] was particularly impressive, showcasing their [Specific Skill, e.g., analytical skills, problem-solving abilities].
Beyond academics, [Applicant Name] is an active and engaged member of the [School/Community] community. They volunteer their time at [Organization] and are actively involved in [Extracurricular Activities]. This commitment to service demonstrates their compassion and their desire to make a positive impact on the world around them.
I am confident that [Applicant Name] has the potential to make significant contributions to [Field of Study/Industry]. They are a driven, intelligent, and compassionate individual, and I highly recommend them for this scholarship without reservation. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Sample Letter 6
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Institution]
[Your Email]
[Your Phone Number]
[Date]
Scholarship Committee
[Scholarship Name]
[Organization Name]
Dear Scholarship Committee,
I am writing to wholeheartedly recommend [Applicant Name] for the prestigious [Scholarship Name] scholarship. I have known [Applicant Name] for [Number] years as their [Your Role, e.g., Teacher, Supervisor, Advisor] at [Institution/Organization Name]. During this time, I have been consistently impressed by their exceptional [Positive Qualities, e.g., intellect, drive, resilience].
[Applicant Name] possesses a remarkable ability to [Specific Skill/Talent]. In [Specific Situation/Project], they demonstrated this skill by [Specific Example of their skill in action]. This ability, combined with their strong work ethic and unwavering determination, makes them an ideal candidate for this scholarship.
Furthermore, [Applicant Name] is a compassionate and empathetic individual. They are actively involved in [Community Service/Volunteer Activities] and consistently demonstrate a genuine desire to help others. This commitment to service reflects their strong character and their dedication to making a positive difference in the world.
I am absolutely confident that [Applicant Name] will excel in their future academic pursuits and will make significant contributions to society. I highly recommend them for this scholarship without any reservations. Please feel free to contact me if you require any further information.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Sample Letter 7
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Institution]
[Your Email]
[Your Phone Number]
[Date]
Scholarship Committee
[Scholarship Name]
[Organization Name]
Dear Scholarship Committee,
I am writing to strongly recommend [Applicant Name] for the [Scholarship Name] scholarship. I have known [Applicant Name] as their [Your Role] at [Institution Name] for the past [Number] years. During this time, they have consistently impressed me with their [Positive Qualities – e.g., intelligence, work ethic, and leadership skills].
[Applicant Name] possesses a natural aptitude for [Subject/Skill]. In [Course Name/Project Name], they consistently exceeded expectations, demonstrating a deep understanding of the material and a remarkable ability to apply it to real-world problems. Their performance on [Specific Assignment/Project] was particularly noteworthy, showcasing their ability to [Specific Skill/Achievement].
Beyond their academic achievements, [Applicant Name] is an active and engaged member of the [School/Community] community. They are involved in [Extracurricular Activities] and volunteer their time at [Organization Name]. This demonstrates their commitment to service and their desire to make a positive impact on the lives of others.
I am confident that [Applicant Name] will be a valuable addition to your scholarship program and that they will continue to achieve great things in their future endeavors. I highly recommend them for this scholarship without reservation. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Sample Letter 8
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Institution]
[Your Email]
[Your Phone Number]
[Date]
Scholarship Committee
[Scholarship Name]
[Organization Name]
Dear Scholarship Committee,
It is with great enthusiasm that I recommend [Applicant Name] for the [Scholarship Name] scholarship. I have known [Applicant Name] as their [Your Role, e.g., Teacher, Coach, Supervisor] at [Institution/Organization] for [Number] years.
[Applicant Name] consistently demonstrates exceptional [Positive Qualities, e.g., academic performance, leadership potential, and problem-solving skills]. During their time in my [Course/Program], they excelled in [Specific Area of Study] and demonstrated a remarkable ability to [Specific Skill, e.g., think critically, communicate effectively, and work collaboratively]. For instance, their [Specific Project/Assignment] demonstrated their exceptional [Specific Skill].
Beyond their academic achievements, [Applicant Name] is a dedicated and engaged member of the [School/Community] community. They actively participate in [Extracurricular Activities/Volunteer Work] and are committed to [Cause/Organization]. This demonstrates their strong character and their desire to make a positive impact on the world around them.
I am confident that [Applicant Name] will be a valuable asset to your scholarship program and will continue to achieve great things in their future endeavors. I wholeheartedly recommend them for this scholarship. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Sample Letter 9
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Institution]
[Your Email]
[Your Phone Number]
[Date]
Scholarship Committee
[Scholarship Name]
[Organization Name]
Dear Scholarship Committee,
I am writing to express my strong support for [Applicant Name]’s application for the [Scholarship Name] scholarship. I have known [Applicant Name] for [Number] years as their [Your Role, e.g., professor, mentor, supervisor] at [Institution/Organization].
[Applicant Name] is an exceptional individual who possesses a rare combination of [Positive Qualities, e.g., intelligence, dedication, and compassion]. They consistently demonstrate a commitment to excellence in all that they do. In my [Course/Program], they excelled in [Specific Area of Study] and consistently exceeded expectations. Specifically, their [Specific Project/Assignment] demonstrated their ability to [Specific Skill, e.g., think critically, solve problems, and communicate effectively].
Beyond their academic achievements, [Applicant Name] is a dedicated and engaged member of the community. They actively participate in [Extracurricular Activities/Volunteer Work] and are committed to [Cause/Organization]. This demonstrates their strong character and their desire to make a positive impact on the world.
I am confident that [Applicant Name] has the potential to make significant contributions to [Field of Study/Industry]. I highly recommend them for this scholarship without reservation. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Sample Letter 10
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Institution]
[Your Email]
[Your Phone Number]
[Date]
Scholarship Committee
[Scholarship Name]
[Organization Name]
Dear Scholarship Committee,
I am delighted to write this letter of recommendation for [Applicant Name], a candidate I strongly believe deserves the [Scholarship Name] scholarship. I have had the pleasure of knowing [Applicant Name] for the past [Number] years as their [Your Role, e.g., Teacher, Mentor, Supervisor] at [Institution/Organization Name].
[Applicant Name] possesses a remarkable ability to [Specific Skill/Talent], which they consistently demonstrate in their [Activities/Projects]. For example, in [Specific Situation/Project], they [Specific Action demonstrating the Skill]. This ability, combined with their [Positive Quality, e.g., dedication, work ethic, creativity], makes them a truly exceptional individual.
Beyond their academic and professional achievements, [Applicant Name] is a dedicated and compassionate individual. They actively participate in [Community Service/Volunteer Activities] and are committed to [Cause/Organization]. Their commitment to making a positive impact on the world is truly inspiring.
I am confident that [Applicant Name] will continue to excel in their future endeavors and will make significant contributions to [Field of Study/Community]. I wholeheartedly recommend them for the [Scholarship Name] scholarship. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Sample Letter 11
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Institution]
[Your Email]
[Your Phone Number]
[Date]
Scholarship Committee
[Scholarship Name]
[Organization Name]
Dear Scholarship Committee,
I am pleased to write this letter of recommendation for [Applicant Name] in support of their application for the [Scholarship Name] scholarship. I have known [Applicant Name] for [Number] years as their [Your Role, e.g., Professor, Supervisor, Mentor] at [Institution Name].
[Applicant Name] is a highly motivated and intelligent student with a genuine passion for learning. They consistently demonstrate a strong work ethic and a commitment to academic excellence. In my [Course Name] class, [Applicant Name] consistently exceeded expectations, demonstrating a deep understanding of the material and a remarkable ability to apply it to complex problems. Specifically, their [Project/Assignment] was particularly impressive, showcasing their [Specific Skill, e.g., analytical skills, research abilities].
Beyond their academic accomplishments, [Applicant Name] is an active and engaged member of the [School/Community] community. They volunteer their time at [Organization Name] and are actively involved in [Extracurricular Activities]. This demonstrates their commitment to service and their desire to make a positive impact on the world.
I am confident that [Applicant Name] has the potential to make significant contributions to [Field of Study/Industry]. I highly recommend them for this scholarship without reservation. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Sample Letter 12
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Institution]
[Your Email]
[Your Phone Number]
[Date]
Scholarship Committee
[Scholarship Name]
[Organization Name]
Dear Scholarship Committee,
It is with great pleasure that I recommend [Applicant Name] for the [Scholarship Name] scholarship. I have known [Applicant Name] as their [Your Role] at [Institution/Organization] for the past [Number] years.
[Applicant Name] consistently demonstrates exceptional [Positive Qualities, e.g., intellect, leadership, and dedication]. In [Specific Situation/Project], they showed a remarkable ability to [Specific Skill/Achievement]. This ability, combined with their [Positive Quality, e.g., perseverance, creativity, problem-solving skills], makes them an ideal candidate for this scholarship.
Furthermore, [Applicant Name] is actively involved in [Extracurricular Activities/Community Service]. Their participation in [Specific Activity] demonstrates their commitment to [Value/Cause] and their desire to make a positive impact on the world.
I am confident that [Applicant Name] will be a valuable asset to your scholarship program and will continue to excel in their future endeavors. I highly recommend them for this scholarship without reservation. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Sample Letter 13
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Institution]
[Your Email]
[Your Phone Number]
[Date]
Scholarship Committee
[Scholarship Name]
[Organization Name]
Dear Scholarship Committee,
I am writing to enthusiastically recommend [Applicant Name] for the [Scholarship Name] scholarship. I have had the pleasure of knowing [Applicant Name] as their [Your Role] at [Institution Name] for [Number] years.
[Applicant Name] is a truly exceptional student who possesses a rare combination of [Positive Qualities, e.g., intellectual curiosity, academic rigor, and leadership potential]. They consistently demonstrate a commitment to excellence in all that they do. In my [Course Name] class, [Applicant Name] consistently exceeded expectations, demonstrating a deep understanding of the material and a remarkable ability to apply it to real-world problems. Specifically, their [Specific Project/Assignment] was outstanding, showcasing their [Specific Skill, e.g., analytical skills, problem-solving abilities].
Beyond their academic achievements, [Applicant Name] is actively involved in [Extracurricular Activities/Community Service]. They are a dedicated member of [Organization Name] and volunteer their time to [Cause/Activity]. This demonstrates their commitment to service and their desire to make a positive impact on the community.
I am confident that [Applicant Name] will be a valuable addition to your scholarship program and will continue to excel in their future endeavors. I highly recommend them for this scholarship without reservation. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Sample Letter 14
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Institution]
[Your Email]
[Your Phone Number]
[Date]
Scholarship Committee
[Scholarship Name]
[Organization Name]
Dear Scholarship Committee,
I am writing to provide my strongest recommendation for [Applicant Name] for the [Scholarship Name] scholarship. I have known [Applicant Name] for [Number] years as their [Your Role, e.g., Mentor, Supervisor, Teacher] at [Institution/Organization].
[Applicant Name] is an exceptional individual with a remarkable talent for [Specific Skill/Area]. They consistently demonstrate [Positive Qualities, e.g., dedication, hard work, and a thirst for knowledge]. In [Specific Situation/Project], they [Specific Action demonstrating the Skill]. This ability, combined with their [Positive Quality, e.g., resourcefulness, creativity, attention to detail], makes them a truly outstanding candidate for this scholarship.
Beyond their academic and professional achievements, [Applicant Name] is a dedicated and compassionate member of the community. They actively participate in [Community Service/Volunteer Activities] and are committed to [Cause/Organization]. Their commitment to making a positive impact on the world is truly admirable.
I am confident that [Applicant Name] will thrive in your program and make significant contributions to [Field of Study/Community]. I highly recommend them for this scholarship without any hesitation. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you require further information.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Sample Letter 15
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Institution]
[Your Email]
[Your Phone Number]
[Date]
Scholarship Committee
[Scholarship Name]
[Organization Name]
Dear Scholarship Committee,
I am writing to enthusiastically recommend [Applicant Name] for the [Scholarship Name] scholarship. I have known [Applicant Name] for [Number] years as their [Your Role, e.g., Professor, Teacher, Mentor] at [Institution/Organization Name].
[Applicant Name] is a truly exceptional student who consistently demonstrates exceptional [Positive Qualities, e.g., intellect, dedication, and creativity]. In my [Course Name] class, they consistently exceeded expectations, demonstrating a deep understanding of the material and a remarkable ability to apply it to complex problems. Specifically, their [Project/Assignment] on [Topic] was particularly insightful and demonstrated their mastery of [Specific Skill].
Beyond their academic achievements, [Applicant Name] is an active and engaged member of the [School/Community] community. They participate in [Extracurricular Activities] and volunteer their time at [Organization Name]. This demonstrates their commitment to service and their desire to make a positive impact on the lives of others.
I am confident that [Applicant Name] has the potential to make significant contributions to [Field of Study/Industry]. I highly recommend them for this scholarship without reservation. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Sample Letter 16
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Institution]
[Your Email]
[Your Phone Number]
[Date]
Scholarship Committee
[Scholarship Name]
[Organization Name]
Dear Scholarship Committee,
I am writing to strongly recommend [Applicant Name] for the [Scholarship Name] scholarship. I have had the opportunity to know [Applicant Name] as their [Your Role] at [Institution/Organization] for [Number] years.
[Applicant Name] possesses a remarkable aptitude for [Specific Skill/Area] and consistently demonstrates exceptional [Positive Qualities, e.g., work ethic, critical thinking skills, and problem-solving abilities]. In [Specific Situation/Project], they demonstrated their ability to [Specific Action demonstrating the Skill]. This, coupled with their [Positive Quality, e.g., creativity, resourcefulness, and dedication], makes them an outstanding candidate for this prestigious scholarship.
Furthermore, [Applicant Name] is an active and dedicated member of the [School/Community] community. They are involved in [Extracurricular Activities/Community Service] and consistently demonstrate a commitment to [Value/Cause]. Their passion for making a positive impact is truly inspiring.
I am confident that [Applicant Name] will excel in their future academic pursuits and will make significant contributions to [Field of Study/Community]. I highly recommend them for this scholarship without any reservations. Please feel free to contact me if you require any additional information.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Sample Letter 17
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Institution]
[Your Email]
[Your Phone Number]
[Date]
Scholarship Committee
[Scholarship Name]
[Organization Name]
Dear Scholarship Committee,
I am writing to strongly recommend [Applicant Name] for the [Scholarship Name] scholarship. I have known [Applicant Name] for [Number] years as their [Your Role, e.g., Professor, Teacher, Advisor] at [Institution/Organization Name].
[Applicant Name] is a highly exceptional individual who consistently demonstrates a passion for [Field of Study/Area of Interest] and a commitment to academic excellence. In my [Course Name] class, [Applicant Name] consistently exceeded expectations, demonstrating a deep understanding of the subject matter and an exceptional ability to apply it to real-world problems. Their [Project/Assignment] on [Topic] was particularly impressive, showcasing their [Specific Skill, e.g., analytical skills, research abilities, critical thinking].
Beyond their academic achievements, [Applicant Name] is an active and engaged member of the [School/Community] community. They volunteer their time at [Organization Name] and actively participate in [Extracurricular Activities]. This demonstrates their commitment to service and their desire to make a positive impact on the lives of others.
I am confident that [Applicant Name] possesses the intellectual ability, personal qualities, and drive to excel in their future endeavors. I highly recommend them for this scholarship without reservation. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions.
