How to Write an Effective Scholarship Recommendation Letter (Tips, Template and Example).

Academic and professional letters of recommendation play a crucial role in various admission processes for international study programs and numerous scholarship applications. Therefore, I'm here to provide you with valuable advice that has assisted both me and my clients in successfully pursuing overseas education and securing scholarships.

What is the Purpose of a Scholarship Recommendation Letter?

Recommendation letters, or references, are essential components of academic and scholarship applications. These letters are composed by a third party who outlines their identity, describes their relationship with you, and provides compelling reasons why they endorse your candidacy for a particular academic program or scholarship.

Essentially, these letters offer institutions or scholarship providers an external perspective to evaluate your character and capabilities. In simpler terms, recommendation letters serve the purpose of corroborating the information you've presented in other application documents, such as your CV and Motivation Letter, while also supplying additional insights into your profile.

Who Should Author a Scholarship Recommendation Letter?

Contrary to common misconceptions, recommendation letters need not be authored by prominent figures like deans of faculties or top-level company executives with whom you've worked. What institutions and scholarship providers seek are letters from individuals who have directly interacted with you and have firsthand knowledge of your personality and performance. Therefore, it is advisable to choose recommenders like professors, thesis advisors, supervisors, employers, or, in certain situations, colleagues.

It's important to note that these recommenders might lack experience in composing letters of recommendation, could be uncertain about your expectations, or simply might not have the time to draft such letters. In these cases, you should be prepared to guide them and, in some instances, even draft the recommendation letter yourself for their review and signature. So, please consider and incorporate the following suggestions:

Header Tips for Recommendation Letter:

1. Ensure the date on the letter is recent, avoiding the use of generic letters from previous applications.
2. Use a clear title such as "Letter of Recommendation" or "Reference."
3. Address the letter specifically to the program or scholarship provider to demonstrate personalization, avoiding generic phrases like "To whom it may concern."

Content Tips for Recommendation Letter:

1. Include the reason for recommending the applicant and explicitly mention the program to which they are applying.
2. Describe who you are, your position, the institution you are associated with, and your relationship with the applicant.
3. Provide a brief description of the program or work context to emphasize its importance.
4. Explain why you are recommending the applicant based on their personality, academic or professional skills.
5. Reinforce the recommendation by stating why the applicant is the right fit for the program or scholarship.
6. Offer to provide more information or answer questions from the selection committee.

Tips to Get Strong Letters of Recommendation:

1. Request letters well in advance, considering the letter writers' busy schedules and application deadlines.
2. Share your CV and motivation letter with those writing your recommendation to help them understand your background and goals.
3. For academic recommendations, establish contact with professors who know you well or with whom you've had significant interactions.
4. Reconnect with professors you haven't been in touch with for a while to help them remember you.
5. Ensure that the recommendation follows the application guidelines, especially if there are specific formats or requirements.
6. Use appropriate language for the target program, and consider official translations if necessary.
7. Keep the letter concise and focused on the applicant's strengths and qualifications.
8. If possible, use institutional letterhead for added formality.
9. Include contact information in the letter for verification purposes.

Recommendation Letter Template:

A template for a scholarship recommendation letter might look like this:

[Date]

[Recipient's Name and Title]

[Institution or Company]

[Address] [City, State, Zip]

To Whom It May Concern:

I am writing to highly recommend [Applicant's Name] for [Scholarship Program or Position]. I am [Your Name], [Your Position] at [Your Institution or Company], with [Number] years of experience in [Relevant Field]. I have worked with many individuals, and [Applicant's Name] stands out as a remarkable candidate.

During our time together, [Applicant's Name] demonstrated outstanding skills in [Specific Skills]. Not only did they excel in these areas, but their positive attitude and [Positive Traits] set them apart. Their contributions were highly valued by both myself and their peers.

I am confident that [Applicant's Name] is a perfect fit for your [Scholarship Program or Position] and will contribute significantly to [Institution or Company]’s growth.

If you need more information or examples, please do not hesitate to contact me. I am happy to provide further details about my experiences working with [Applicant's Name].

Sincerely,

[Your Name, Your Company/Institution, and Your Title]

Example of a Recommendation Letter:

[Date]

College Scholars Program

University of Tennessee

123 Business Rd. Business City, NY 54321

To Whom It May Concern:

I am pleased to recommend Joe Bloom for inclusion in the College Scholars Program at the University of Tennessee.

As Joe's instructor for multiple English classes during his four years at Morristown-Hamblen High School, including AP English his junior year, I can attest to his remarkable academic abilities. His writing, research skills, and analytical thinking are exceptional for a high school student.

Joe's talents extend beyond academics. He held leadership roles in our school band and served as Vice President of the Student Council and Editor of our yearbook. He is also an active member of his church and the Sierra Student Coalition.

I believe Joe is well-prepared for upper-division coursework and possesses the motivation to excel in independent honors study.

If you have any questions or need additional information to support Joe's application, please feel free to contact me.

I have no doubt that Joe Bloom will make a positive impact on your program and the world.

Sincerely,

Jane Evans