Scholarships provide crucial financial support for students pursuing higher education. A thoughtful, well-written application letter can help you make a compelling case to win a scholarship.
Key Takeaways:
When writing a scholarship application letter, first review the requirements to understand what the sponsor is looking for. Introduce yourself and explain why you are applying in the opening. Discuss your relevant accomplishments, skills, goals and need for funding in the body. Conclude by thanking the committee and confirming your contact information. Use a professional format, proofread carefully and get feedback from others before submitting.
Let’s get started on crafting a scholarship application letter that showcases your unique strengths and passion. With a focused, engaging letter, you can increase your chances of securing funding for your academic journey.
A scholarship application letter is a formal document where candidates can make a case for why they should receive academic funding from an institution, organization or individual.
The letter allows you to introduce yourself, share your background and interests, and highlight achievements and skills that make you deserving of the scholarship.
While specific requirements vary, application letters generally include:
The letter provides the opportunity to showcase your qualifications beyond what’s in your transcript and resume. A well-crafted letter can help you make a memorable impression and stand out from other applicants.
Follow these key steps when drafting your scholarship application letter:
The first step is to closely review the scholarship requirements and organization’s website to understand what they are looking for in strong candidates.
Pay attention to:
This information will help guide what details you emphasize in your letter. You want to tailor the content to align with their priorities.
Read Also Is Nitro Scholarship Legit? Let's FindThe introduction paragraph is your chance to make a strong first impression. Include key details like:
This gives helpful context about who you are and why the scholarship is important to you.
Here is a sample introduction:
My name is Jennifer Smith, and I am currently a high school senior at Jefferson High School planning to attend Washington State University next year. I am very excited to apply for the Women in STEM Scholarship, which would enable me to pursue my dream of studying engineering and eventually designing renewable energy solutions.
The body paragraphs should focus on your strengths as a student and person. Think about the key attributes, accomplishments and skills you want to highlight that align with the scholarship requirements.
Be sure to provide concrete examples and anecdotes to back up the qualities you present. Don’t just say you’re a hard worker – describe your strong work ethic by listing related achievements.
Here are types of details to include:
Ideally choose 3-4 focused paragraphs to make your case, rather than covering everything superficially. Quality over quantity.
Wrap up your scholarship letter with a concluding paragraph that reiterates your enthusiasm and fit for the award. Thank the review committee for considering your application.
Also, include an invitation to contact you directly if they would like to discuss your application or request more information. Provide your:
Here’s a sample closing paragraph:
Thank you for your time and consideration of my application. I am incredibly excited by the prospect of receiving the Women in STEM Scholarship and would love to further discuss my qualifications. Please feel free to contact me by email at JenniferSmith@email.com or by cell at 123-456-7890 should you have any questions. I look forward to hearing from you!
Before submitting your letter, be sure to carefully proofread for any errors or typos. Read the letter out loud to catch awkward phrasing.
It can also be very helpful to have mentors, teachers, and family members review your letter and provide feedback. A second set of eyes can catch issues you may have missed.
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With these steps in mind, let’s look at a template and example scholarship letter to illustrate an engaging structure.
Review this template when crafting your own scholarship application letter:
[Your Full Name]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email] [City, State]
[Scholarship Organization Name]
[Contact Person Name and Title] [Address]
Dear [Contact Name],
Introduction paragraph: State your name, current grade/year in school, intended major, and why you want the scholarship. Share your academic and career goals.
Paragraph 2: Highlight your relevant academic achievements like GPA, honors, awards, and advanced coursework. Mention membership in academic organizations.
Paragraph 3: Discuss extracurricular activities and leadership roles that helped you develop important skills. Share related accomplishments.
Paragraph 4: Mention work experiences and internships in your field of study. Explain skills gained. Share what inspires your passion for your major and future career goals.
Conclusion: Thank the committee for considering your application. Provide your contact information and invite further discussion about your qualifications. Express your enthusiasm for the scholarship opportunity.
[Your Signature]
[Your Full Name]
Read this strong sample scholarship letter for a high school student applying to a local community organization:
Jennifer Smith
123-456-7890 jennifersmith@email.com Springfield, MO
Springfield Women in STEM Scholarship
Scholarship Committee 123 Main St. Springfield, MO 65000
Dear Scholarship Committee Members,
My name is Jennifer Smith, and I am currently a senior at Springfield High School who intends to study mechanical engineering at State University next year. I am thrilled to apply for the Springfield Women in STEM Scholarship, which would empower me to pursue my dream of becoming an engineer and innovator.
In high school, I have consistently maintained a 4.0 unweighted GPA while enrolled in multiple honors and AP courses. I am also deeply involved with the Robotics Club, serving as team captain for the past two years. In this leadership role, I have guided our team to win regional robotics competitions and demonstrate key engineering skills.
Beyond classes, I spend time volunteering as a tutor where I have helped dozens of classmates master concepts in math and physics. I also played junior varsity soccer freshman and sophomore year, developing my teamwork, discipline and communication abilities. Through these diverse experiences, I have become a driven, high-achieving student capable of excelling in a STEM degree program and career.
Most of all, I am deeply passionate about science, technology and using my skills to develop solutions to real-world problems. I have known that engineering was my calling since I built my first robot in 7th grade. Coming from a family of engineers, I have long been fascinated by renewable energy and want to help shape future green technologies. Receiving your scholarship would enable me to actively contribute to progress in this field.
Thank you for your consideration of my application. I can be reached any time at 123-456-7890 or jennifersmith@email.com to further discuss my qualifications. I truly appreciate you taking the time to review my letter, and I hope to join the next class of women in STEM you support.
Read Also How to Write an Outstanding Motivation Letter for a Scholarship Application[Signature] Jennifer Smith
There is no standard length – Scholarship letters can range from one to several pages depending on the requirements. Aim for 1-2 pages in most cases. The key is quality over quantity.
Yes, send customized letters – Avoid submitting the exact same generic letter for different scholarships. Tailor each one.
Highlight relevant activities – In a paragraph or bullet points, list service projects and how they allowed you to develop useful skills. Quantify hours served when possible.
Follow the guidelines – Some scholarships want printed letters while others accept email submissions. Carefully check and follow the requested method.
They are similar but serve different purposes – The personal statement is for college admissions, while the scholarship letter is for financial award consideration.
A thoughtful, focused scholarship application letter allows you to introduce yourself beyond transcripts and resumes and make a compelling case for funding. By tailoring your content to the specific organization, highlighting your achievements and skills, and infusing passion throughout, you can craft a memorable letter.
Use the template and tips provided above to get started on your own application letter. Don’t underestimate the power of an engaging, personal letter to help you secure financial support as you pursue your academic and professional aspirations. With focus, planning and polish, your letter can get you one step closer to achieving your dreams!
Editor’s Note: Applying for scholarships can seem daunting, but breaking the process down into manageable steps will set you up for success. Remember to maintain a positive, gracious attitude and express genuine enthusiasm in your letter. Small personal touches and stories make a big impact. You’ve got this! 😊
With over two decades of experience, renowned scholar Dr. John Morris has become the #1 trusted global expert on winning prestigious government scholarships. Having personally received full funding awards from Germany, Brazil, Spain, the UK and Australia during his esteemed educational career, Dr. Morris now dedicates himself to helping disadvantaged students access the same life-changing opportunities through his motivational speeches at universities worldwide and highly popular Scholarships Office blog.