Have you ever wondered how to make your scholarship application stand out? Or what to write when applying for a scholarship? You’re not alone! A scholarship application is made up of several components. One of the most important parts is the scholarship application letter. You’ll want to pay special attention to it and put a lot of effort into crafting it. The letter might just make or break your chances.
Think of this as a cover letter where you introduce yourself and explain why you think you deserve to win this specific scholarship and how the award could help you achieve your academic and career goals.
With hundreds of students applying, review committees read through application letters to trim the pool of applicants.
We’ll teach you exactly how to make your scholarship application stand out and how to write a good scholarship letter. Before you know it, you’ll have FREE money to go to college!
Establish a Formal Tone in Your Scholarship Application Letter
While a scholarship might be about a personal moment, your tone should maintain some formality. You don’t have to go full academic mode but you definitely don’t want to use slang or chat-speak. You can make your scholarship letter sound like you while still being professional. Unless the scholarship criteria specify the use of excessive humor, it’s important to maintain formality.
Customize Your Application Letter For Each Scholarship
Different scholarship opportunities are awarded for different purposes. You must take great care to ensure that your application letter and scholarship essays match the context of the scholarship.
For example, when applying for a scholarship for plant science, you will want to talk about your interest, accomplishments, or future goals specifically in plant science. Highlighting your interests in math or physics will not earn you any points for this particular scholarship. This is also how to make your scholarship application stand out from the other applicants.
Are you applying for a scholarship awarded to student inventors? Your application letter must demonstrate your passion for inventing things. Talking briefly about your past inventions, even those that didn’t go as planned will pique the reader’s interest. This will increase the chances that they will want to read the rest of your application.
Your Scholarship Application Letter Must Address These Two Points
Though it may not say it on the scholarship requirements, two of the most important points that you must address in your application letter are:
- Why you are deserving of this particular award – this is where you showcase your interest or skills in a field relevant to the scholarship.
- How you will put the scholarship award to good use – you can do this by providing details on what you plan to do with the education that you receive.
Don’t Forget to Proofread Your Letter
Proofreading your letters well before all your scholarship deadlines is super important. You may have been so focused on the content of the letter, that some grammatical or spelling mistakes may have slipped by unnoticed. These little errors can make the difference between a successful application and one that scholarship providers didn’t choose.
After writing your scholarship application letter, set it aside for a day to look through the next day with fresh eyes. Asking another person to read your letter is always a good idea as they are more likely to look through it objectively and spot any mistakes that you’ve overlooked.
Writing a scholarship application letter takes time and careful thought, but it’s worth it when you consider the scholarship money reward that you stand to win.
How To Write a Good Scholarship Letter
There are a few things that make a scholarship letter a memorable essay. Following the given format or a traditional format, using correct grammar and spelling, and answering the prompt fully are important.
We’ve put together a scholarship letter to help you write your next one with ease and cut down your college costs. The best part is you can use it for all the applications that don’t require a special format and just switch out the details.
Template (Should Include):
- Your Name
- Your Address
- Your Phone Number
- Your Email
- Date
- Point of Contact’s Name
- Point of Contact’s Role
- Company
- Company’s Address
Dear [Person of Contact],
In this first paragraph, introduce yourself and the degree that you’re pursuing. Talk about the organization or company’s scholarship and how their core values align with yours. State how to the scholarship will help you in your academic and professional career over the years.
This paragraph is where you will talk about yourself to stand out. What academic achievements do you have? What experience do you have that aligns with this company or organization? Talk about your personal, educational, and professional skills in this section while maintaining a confident tone.
In this last paragraph, briefly reiterate the importance of the scholarship for your education and professional career. Thank them for their time.
Sincerely,
Your Name
Sample Letter:
Jane Doe
123 Scholarship Way
Nashville, TN 37011
(555)-555-5555
[email protected]June 4, 2023
John Doe
Head of Scholarship Committee
Medical Research Company
1234 Scholarship Drive
Nashville, TN 37011Dear John Doe,
My name is Jane Doe and I attend the University of Michigan where I study biomedical sciences. Throughout my first year in the great state of Michigan, I have grown my love for science and discovered how the world of medicine is changing the lives of people every day. At Medical Research Company, you conduct labs and experimental research that is used in the world of medicine to help save lives. With the common goal of saving lives with medicine, I believe I would be the perfect candidate for this year’s scholarship award.
At the young age of 12, my stepmom was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease that took my whole family by surprise. What we thought was just my stepmom being overworked turned out to be a variety of symptoms caused by her lupus, making my family scramble for answers. Since the cause of lupus is unknown, I want to dedicate my research after I graduate to finding it out. With the scholarship from Medical Research Company, I can focus solely on my studies instead of the financial burdens of getting a college degree. Not only would my future research help my stepmom, but also the thousands of people who get diagnosed yearly.
Along with my habitual studying and dedication, this scholarship will give me the resources I need to focus on my coursework and research. I hope to hear from you soon and thank you for taking the time to look over my application. Please don’t hesitate to reach out with further questions.
Sincerely,
Jane Doe
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| Lender | Rates (APR) | Eligibility | |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
5.34%-15.96%* Variable
3.99%-15.61%* Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT CITIZENS |
|
|
4.92% - 15.08% Variable
3.99% - 15.49% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT SALLIE MAE |
 |
4.50% - 17.99% Variable
3.49% - 17.99% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT CREDIBLE |
 |
6.00% - 13.75% Variable
3.99% - 13.75% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT LENDKEY |
 |
5.50% - 14.56% Variable
3.69% - 14.41% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT ASCENT |
 |
3.70% - 8.75% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT ISL |
 |
4.99% - 16.85% Variable
3.47% - 16.49% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT EARNEST |
 |
5.00% - 14.22% Variable
3.69% - 14.22% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT ELFI |
