A scholarship application letter is a letter that you write to a scholarship committee to explain why you are interested in the scholarship and why you are a good fit for it. It is an important part of your scholarship application, as it is your chance to tell your story and make a personal connection with the committee.
Why is it important to write a good scholarship application letter?
Your scholarship application letter is one of the only opportunities you have to make a personal connection with the scholarship committee. It is your chance to tell your story, highlight your accomplishments, and explain why you are a good fit for the scholarship.
A well-written scholarship application letter can make a big difference in your chances of winning the scholarship. It can show the committee that you are a passionate and dedicated student, and that you are serious about your education.
Tips for writing a strong scholarship application letter
Here are some tips for writing a strong scholarship application letter:
- Be specific. Explain why you are interested in the scholarship and why you are a good fit for it.
- Be sure to discuss your academic goals and how the scholarship will help you achieve them.
- Be genuine. Be yourself and let your personality shine through in your writing.
- Be concise. Keep your letter to one or two pages, and be sure to proofread it carefully.
What to include in your scholarship application letter
Your scholarship application letter should include the following information:
- Your contact information
- Your academic achievements
- Your extracurricular activities
- Your financial need
- Why you are a good fit for the scholarship
Contact information
Be sure to include your full name, address, phone number, and email address.
Academic achievements
List your GPA, test scores, and any other relevant academic achievements. Be sure to highlight your strengths and any awards or honors you have received.
Extracurricular activities
List your extracurricular activities, both inside and outside of school. Be sure to highlight any leadership positions you have held or any significant accomplishments you have achieved.
Financial need
If you have financial need, be sure to explain it in your letter. Be honest and specific about your financial situation.
Why you are a good fit for the scholarship
Explain why you are interested in the scholarship and why you are a good fit for it. Be sure to discuss your academic goals and how the scholarship will help you achieve them.
How to write each section of your scholarship application letter
Here are some tips for writing each section of your scholarship application letter:
Contact information
This section should be straightforward. Simply list your full name, address, phone number, and email address.
Academic achievements
When listing your academic achievements, be sure to highlight your strengths. For example, if you have a high GPA, mention it. If you have scored well on standardized tests, list your scores. If you have won any academic awards or honors, be sure to mention them.
You can also use this section to discuss any academic challenges you have overcome. For example, if you had to overcome a difficult personal situation in order to succeed in school, write about it. This will show the scholarship committee that you are resilient and determined.
Extracurricular activities
When listing your extracurricular activities, be sure to highlight any leadership positions you have held or any significant accomplishments you have achieved. For example, if you are the captain of your school’s soccer team, mention it. If you have won any awards or honors for your extracurricular activities, be sure to mention them.
You can also use this section to discuss any extracurricular activities that are related to your academic goals. For example, if you are interested in a career in medicine, you may want to mention any volunteer work you have done at a hospital or clinic.
Financial need
If you have financial need, be sure to explain it in your letter. Be honest and specific about your financial situation. You may want to discuss your family’s income, any expenses you have, and any financial aid you are currently receiving.
Why you are a good fit for the scholarship
This is the most important section of your scholarship application letter. In this section, you need to explain why you are interested in the scholarship and why you are a good fit for it. Be sure to discuss your academic goals and how the scholarship will help you achieve them.
You can also use this section to discuss your personal story and why you are deserving of the scholarship. For example, if you have overcome difficult circumstances to succeed in school, write about it. This will show the scholarship committee that you are a strong and resilient individual.
Samples of scholarship application letters
Here are some samples of scholarship application letters:
Sample scholarship application letter for a student with financial need
Dear Scholarship Committee,
I am writing to express my interest in the [Scholarship Name] Scholarship. I am a [year] at [school name], majoring in [major]. I am a hard-working and dedicated student, and I am passionate about my education.
I have a strong academic record. My GPA is [GPA], and I have scored [score] on the SAT and [score] on the ACT. I am also involved in several extracurricular activities, including [list of extracurricular activities].
I am applying for this scholarship because I have significant financial need. My family’s income is [income], and I have two younger siblings who also rely on my parents for financial support. I am currently working part-time to help pay for my education, but it is difficult to balance work and school.
This scholarship would allow me to focus on my studies and achieve my academic goals. I am planning to attend medical school after I graduate, and this scholarship would help me make that dream a reality.
Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample scholarship application letter for a student with strong academic achievements
Dear Scholarship Committee,
I am writing to express my interest in the [Scholarship Name] Scholarship. I am a [year] at [school name], majoring in [major]. I am a highly motivated and academically successful student, and I am passionate about my field of study.
I have a strong academic record. My GPA is [GPA], and I have scored [score] on the SAT and [score] on the ACT. I have also taken several AP and honors courses, and I have received a number of academic awards, including [list of awards].
I am involved in several extracurricular activities, including [list of extracurricular activities]. I am also a member of the [honor society] and the [club name] club.
I am applying for this scholarship because I am passionate about my field of study and I am committed to pursuing a career in [field of study]. This scholarship would allow me to focus on my studies and achieve my academic goals.
Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample scholarship application letter for a student with a unique story
Dear Scholarship Committee,
I am writing to express my interest in the [Scholarship Name] Scholarship. I am a [year] at [school name], majoring in [major]. I am a hard-working and dedicated student, and I am passionate about my education.
I have a unique story that has shaped my academic and personal journey. I was born and raised in a small village in [country]. My parents are farmers, and we have always struggled financially. Despite the challenges, I have always been determined to succeed in school.
I have faced many obstacles in my education. For example, I had to walk for several hours each day to get to school. I also had to help my parents on the farm, which left me with little time to study. However, I never gave up on my dream of getting an education.
I graduated from high school at the top of my class, and I was accepted to [school name] on a full scholarship. I am now in my second year, and I am thriving academically. I am involved in several extracurricular activities, including [list of extracurricular activities]. I am also a member of the [honor society] and the [club name] club.
I am applying for this scholarship because I am passionate about my field of study and I am committed to making a difference in the world. This scholarship would allow me to focus on my studies and achieve my academic goals.
I believe that my unique story and my passion for education make me a strong candidate for this scholarship. I am confident that I can use this scholarship to make a positive impact on the world.
Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Conclusion
Writing a scholarship application letter can be a daunting task, but it is important to remember that the scholarship committee wants to get to know you as a person. Be honest, genuine, and specific in your letter, and be sure to highlight your strengths and accomplishments.
FAQs
What is the average length of a scholarship application letter?
The average length of a scholarship application letter is one to two pages. However, it is important to note that there is no set length. The most important thing is to be concise and to the point.
What should I do if I don’t have any extracurricular activities?
If you don’t have any extracurricular activities, you can still write a strong scholarship application letter. Focus on your academic achievements, your financial need, and why you are a good fit for the scholarship.
How can I make my scholarship application letter stand out?
Here are some tips for making your scholarship application letter stand out:
- Be specific. Explain why you are interested in the scholarship and why you are a good fit for it.
- Be sure to discuss your academic goals and how the scholarship will help you achieve them.
- Be genuine. Be yourself and let your personality shine through in your writing.
- Be concise. Keep your letter to one or two pages, and be sure to proofread it carefully.
- Tell your story. Share your unique experiences and challenges, and explain how they have shaped your academic and personal journey.
- Be passionate. Show the scholarship committee that you are excited about your education and your future goals.
When should I start writing my scholarship application letter?
It is a good idea to start writing your scholarship application letter several weeks before the deadline. This will give you enough time to brainstorm, write, and revise your letter.
What should I do if I have any questions about my scholarship application?
If you have any questions about your scholarship application, be sure to contact the scholarship committee. They will be happy to answer your questions and help you submit a complete application.
