10 Must-Follow Tips for Writing a Stellar Letter of Recommendation for Scholarship Application

10 Must-Follow Tips for Writing a Stellar Letter of Recommendation for Scholarship Application

As a student, applying for scholarships is a critical aspect that can help you achieve your academic goals. In addition to submitting excellent grades and test scores, having an outstanding letter of recommendation can make a big difference.

However, writing a great letter of recommendation is not an easy feat. It requires you to be diligent, thoughtful, and disciplined. If you’re unsure of how to go about it, here are ten must-follow tips for writing a stellar letter of recommendation that can help you stand out from the competition.

Tip #1: Start by Understanding the Scholarship Requirements

Before writing a letter of recommendation, it is crucial to understand the scholarship’s requirements. Review the selection criteria, eligibility requirements, and study the organization’s mission statement. Knowing this information will enable you to write a letter that aligns with what the scholarship committee is looking for.

Tip #2: Discuss the Candidate’s Strengths and Weaknesses

Highlight the candidate’s strengths and weaknesses. Showcase their leadership skills, academic achievements, and extracurricular activities. Be honest about their weaknesses but always emphasize their strengths.

Tip #3: Provide Specific Examples and Evidence

Use concrete examples that illustrate your points. Provide specific instances where the candidate demonstrated their skillset. Give evidence to support your claims instead of using general statements.

Tip #4: Be Concise and Relevant

Keep your letter concise and relevant, avoiding repetition and unnecessary details. Be mindful of the word count, and stick to the most important points. Remember, the reviewer might have to read tons of letters, and you don’t want them to lose interest.

Tip #5: Keep Your Tone Professional and Positive

Maintain a positive and professional tone throughout the letter. Avoid any negative or critical comments about the candidate, or use a language that might appear unprofessional.

Tip #6: Customize the Letter to the Scholarship

Craft a personalized letter that aligns with the scholarship’s mission and values. Use keywords and language that resonate with the scholarship organization. Doing this will create a better connection between the candidate, the scholarship, and the letter.

Tip #7: Get More Information About the Candidate

Before writing the letter, gather more information about the applicant. Talk to the candidate, read their essay, and review their resume to get a better understanding of their background, character, and achievements.

Tip #8: Be Timely and Respectful of Deadlines

Submit your letter on time and adhere to the scholarship’s submission deadline. Be respectful of the reviewer’s time, and submit your letter well ahead of the deadline.

Tip #9: Proofread Your Letter for Errors

Edit and proofread your letter for any grammatical or spelling errors. This will make your letter appear more professional and well-polished.

Tip #10: Follow Up with the Candidate and the Scholarship Organization

Check-in with both the candidate and the scholarship organization to ensure that everything was received. Follow through with any additional communication requested by the scholarship organization.

In conclusion, writing a letter of recommendation is an invaluable opportunity to showcase a candidate’s strengths and achievements. By following these ten must-follow tips, you can craft a letter that is compelling, persuasive, and unique. Remember, the scholarship reviewers are looking for exceptional candidates, so make sure to put your best foot forward.

Speech tips:

Please note that any statements involving politics will not be approved.