A recommendation letter, also known as a reference letter, is a very important component of most scholarships application, not excluding fully funded scholarships. It is a legal document created by the referee who has had a first-hand experience with the candidate, his qualification, skills, and character. Having the proper recommendation letter serves a drastically difference in the selection of the scholarship by arguing why you would make the best candidate for the scholarship. No matter it is the academic based scholarship or the one oriented towards leadership, volunteer work, or accomplishment-based achievement scholarship, the well-written letter of recommendation can be a decisive factor.
What is a Recommendation Letter?
A recommendation letter is a formal document that is written by a recommenders who is a former employer, professor or a supervisor etc. The letter also focuses on what the candidate can offer in areas such as strength, academics, working ethic, and why he or she deserves the scholarship. Such letters are demanded by the scholarship committees to learn more about you as an individual aside the list of your achievements. It enables them to learn about your character virtues including leadership, motivation among other aspects that may help you clinch the scholarship.
Why are Recommendation Letters Important for Scholarships?
Recommendation letters are essential in the process of applying for scholarships because these are the views of other people, not your self-assessment. Unlike the personal statements and resumes, the recommendation letters are prepared by other people who have had a first-hand opportunity to see your working ability, your strengths or you’re potential. This outside endorsement is crucial in making the scholarship committees evaluate if you are suitable for the award in term of your work, ethic, character, and achievements. Recommendation letters that are well written and supportive of the goals set for the scholarship increases your chances of being selected highly.
How to Create a Strong Recommendation Letter for a Scholarship
Time should also be devoted to planning and then discussing with your recommenders exactly what you need from them. Here’s how you can approach it to ensure your letters stand out:
- Contact the Recommender Early
When it comes to getting a good recommendation letter, the first thing that a candidate would have to do is select the right person to recommend him or her. It is to your advantage to choose recommenders who know you closely and can therefore write about you and your accomplishments in detail. For scholarships it is normally professors, academic advisors or employers.
Once you are able to identify the right people to address your intended audience, contact them at the earliest. It is also advised not to leave this process until the last moment since the people, to whom you are going to ask recommendations, will also need time to prepare a good and comprehensive letter. Inform them about the scholarship you would wish to be awarded, details of the scholarship together with the criteria involved and why you meet the requirements. It is also advisable to give them enough time to write a nice, neat and a proper letter that highlights aspects the scholarship committee would find desirable.
- Provide Necessary Information
The recommender might not remember all of your achievements in detail it is therefore important that you provide the recommender with all the information to enable him or her write a good recommendation letter. Here’s what you should provide:
- Your Resume: Also attach a copy of your resume to enable the recommender to make reference when writing your academic and extra co-curricular activities.
- Scholarship Details: Provide details on the scholarship including the purpose of the scholarship, the method of selection of the beneficiaries and why you qualify to be among the beneficiaries.
- Achievements and Goals: Enumerate those experiences that you wish your recommender to elaborate giving more emphasis on your achievements and the future plans. This assists them to cater for the letter in accordance with the scholarship’s guideline.
There are those universities or some scholarship programs which forward a recommendation letter template to the recommender through the email. Ensure that your recommenders are willing and ready to complete it online if that is the method which needs to be followed. This may vary from one scholarship to the other, therefore, showcase to them what they are supposed to do and the deadlines to observe.
Recommendation Letter Format:
A recommendation letter should be concise, clear, and error-free, typically not exceeding 350-500 words. Here’s a format you can follow:
- Use University or Company Letterhead:
- The letter should be written on official letterhead if possible, including the following details at the top left corner:
- Date of writing
- Full name of the recommender
- Title
- University/College or Company name
- Address
- City, State, Zip Code
- Preferred contact information (optional)
- Introduction:
Start by introducing the applicant and stating your relationship with them. For example: “I am pleased to recommend [Applicant’s Name] for the [Name of Scholarship] at your esteemed institution.”
- Body of the Letter:
- First Paragraph: Say for how long you have known the applicant and in which context you knew him/her. Emphasize on their competencies, achievements and if possible prior experience.
- Second Paragraph: Enumerate on the applicant’s achievements, qualifications and why the applicant is right for the scholarship. Enumerate their areas of strength and other personal characteristics.
- Conclusion:
It is essential to conclude the letter with some sort of recommendation. For example: ”Without any doubt, I believe [Applicant’s Name]’s research ability, self-motivation and commitment will benefits your program immensely; therefore I fully endorse [him/her] for this scholarship and wish [him/her] success in future endeavors.
Templates for Recommendation Letters:
You may use templates for guidance when drafting recommendation letters. These can include:
Recommendation Letter Template from an Academic Advisor
Recommendation Letter Template from an Employer or Boss
These templates help ensure the letter is structured and includes all necessary information to effectively support the applicant’s scholarship application.
