Writing a Strong Application Letter for Scholarship (with Samples)
Use these sample application letters for scholarship as templates for your formal application letter.
Last updated on February 9th, 2022
There are many companies and organizations that donate scholarships each year to college students. To apply for this money for school, an application letter needs to be sent. The purpose of this letter is to convince the powers that be who they should award the money too.
The content of this letter should be centered on academic accomplishments and stress leadership abilities and initiative. This letter must be correctly formatted with proper spelling and grammar. Any errors could be cause for an immediate rejection of the request.
The content of this letter should be centered on academic accomplishments and stress leadership abilities and initiative. This letter must be correctly formatted with proper spelling and grammar. Any errors could be cause for an immediate rejection of the request.
Follow Scholarship Guidelines
Before writing anything, make sure to gather specifics that will be needed for the letter. Some scholarships have specific applications requirements and if these guidelines are not followed, they application can be instantly rejected.
Because of the importance of this letter, create an initial draft and look for any errors. The letter should begin with an introductory statement and the paragraphs following should also address the detailed reasons why this scholarship should be awarded.
First Paragraph
The first paragraph should talk and focus on the educational and career goals of the applicant. It is appropriate to discuss interests and the chosen field of study. Give them all the reasons they want why they should invest in helping this person to further their education.
It is always great to show a bit of passion in the area of course work. Organizations want to give their money to a student that is considered to be worthy, not give their money to someone who is going to drop out a few months later.
Second Paragraph
The second paragraph needs to focus on strengths. If there are any extracurricular actives or if this person has done any community work, it should be stated here. Any academic awards also need to be listed in this paragraph. If a person was valedictorian or graduated with honors, be sure to highlight this in the second paragraph.
This paragraph is all about selling the person and their abilities a bit. Think that extracurricular stuff doesn’t matter, think again? The more a person is involved in school and the extra activities, the likelihood of them staying increases.
Never Act Desperate for Money
A third paragraph targets why this person needs to be considered for the application. This should be spoken directly to the person/company that is handling out the money. It is necessary to be professional, but always be direct. Never act desperate for money, rather desperate for education and the money will help fund this. It is acceptable to talk about housing, books, food and all the costs associated with college.
There may be room for a fourth paragraph, depending on how much a person has to write. Make the reviewer feel confident that the application they are looking at is a sure thing. Highlight any talents and let them feel some confidence that the program will be completed. Since this will probably be the closing paragraph, be sure to restate the goals including both carrier and educational.
The letter should be around 1-2 pages and never go over the two page mark. Make the font 12 and use double spacing to make it easy to read. Always use resume or appropriate stationery paper so that it stands out from other letters. Check and recheck for clerical errors and make sure the letter is perfect.
Note: If the letter is being sent via Email the subject line should have your full name followed by Application for [NAME of SCHOLARSHIP]. The body may be shorter than a hard copy with just the facts. End the email with Best regards, your first and last name and your phone number.
Application Letter for a Scholarship Sample
Here is a sample application letter for a scholarship. Any documents enclosed with the letter should be copies. No original documents should be sent. The letter may be included with a scholarship application form or may be sent separately to the scholarship selection committee head.
If it is sent separately, it should be sent by certified mail with a return receipt requested, so the candidate is sure the letter was received. If the candidate does not know the name of the selection committee head, he or she should find out and address the letter to that person.
Application Letter for Scholarship Request
Name of Applicant
Address of Applicant
City, State, Zip Code
DATE
Name of Head of Scholarship Committee
Name of Scholarship or Institution
Address of Institution
City, State, Zip Code
RE: Application for [NAME of SCHOLARSHIP] cover letter
Dear Name of Head of Scholarship Committee:
I was excited to read about the [$10,000] scholarship that [Name of Institution] was giving to one lucky college student. My goal is to go to [Name of College] in [Name of City] to pursue a nursing degree. It has always been my passion to be a nurse ever since I was a little girl.
My mother was a nurse before her tragic passing, and she loved her patients and took care of them so well. By completing my nursing degree, I feel that I will not only further my career, but I will also pay tribute to my mother who gave her life for her calling. Being a nurse means everything to me.
I graduated from [Name of High School] in [YEAR] with honors. I took a year off to travel and see the world, but now I am ready to get back into school. I was an active student at my high school. I served on the debate team and also ran for class president. I was class valedictorian and like to get involved in any extracurricular activities that the school offered. I believe in not just attending school but also getting involved in it.
[Name of Head of Scholarship Committee], I know that you will receive numerous applications for this scholarship. I am hoping that you will consider my application and allow me to fulfill my dream of being a nurse.
The medical field is challenging and one that has difficult classes; however, I feel that I will have no problem arising to this challenge. To be a nurse means everything to me, but with the cost of room and board, books and all the other charges, it is going to be tight. I appreciate your consideration.
Sincerely,
Signature of Applicant
Printed Name of Applicant
List of Enclosures
Sample Cover Letter for Scholarship Application
Note: The scholarship committee will be looking at hundreds of such letters, and the ones that clearly state the purpose in a brief but thorough way will be the ones that are remembered. It is also important for the applicant to present him or herself as a good candidate for the scholarship. This means that they have the required initiative and motivation to make good use of the money.
Sample Cover Letter for Scholarship Application
Name of Applicant
Address of Applicant
City, State, Zip Code
DATE
Name of Head of Scholarship Committee
Name of Scholarship or Institution
Address of Institution
City, State, Zip Code
RE: Cover Letter for [NAME of SCHOLARSHIP] Application
Dear Name of Head of Scholarship Committee:
I am submitting this application for the [NAME of SCHOLARSHIP] to further my education in environmental studies. I have studied for two years in Name of University and require financial assistance to complete my degree in Environmental Science.
I have worked part-time in a recycling center for the past two years and wish to work in the field of environmental sustainability. However, I need a degree to advance in this field.
I spent the last two years of high school volunteering in a waste management facility in the city and have gained a lot of experience in the field. I won an award for creative management for recycling plastic water bottles.
My goal is to work to have an impact on many environmental issues such as solar power, wind power as well as waste management. One of the most profound experiences of my life was a trip I took to see the island of waste in the northern Pacific Ocean.
If I am fortunate enough to receive this scholarship, I will finish my degree to qualify for a job in a company that promotes sustainability in their business ethic. My father died five years ago and I was able to pay for my first two years at university with the insurance money, but my mother is no longer able to support my university tuition.
Thank you for considering my application. I have enclosed a recommendation letter from my university councilor along with the application form and my transcripts. I hope to hear from you soon. I can be reached at [555-123-4567] or at [[email protected]].
Sincerely,
Signature of Applicant
Printed Name of Applicant
List of Enclosures
By Andre Bradley
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