How to write a scholarship application letter
Here's a list of steps you can follow to write a scholarship application letter:
1. Review the organization's requirements
Before you create a draft of your scholarship application letter, consider reviewing the designating body's expectations to familiarize yourself with what they're looking for in a scholarship candidate. This allows you to ensure you have the credentials they require and that you highlight these details in your letter. For example, if a designating organization is looking for high school students with a grade point average (GPA) of 3.5 or higher, you can ensure that you meet these criteria and then feature your GPA in the document.
2. Include your contact information
Begin creating your application letter by adding a header with your contact information to the top of the page. Add your full name, phone number and academic email address. If you know the organization wants you to include additional details, such as the school you graduated from or currently attend, feature this information in the header as well. Beneath your personal information, include the name of the awarding institution or organization.
3. Introduce yourself and why you're applying
Begin the first paragraph of your application letter by introducing yourself to the scholarship review committee. Include information such as your current or prospective college major, your professional goals and what potentially receiving the funding means to you. You can use this first paragraph to highlight your understanding of the organization, its expectations and the award.
4. Discuss your major accomplishments
After introducing yourself to the scholarship application review committee, you can describe your major accomplishments and major academic or personal milestones you've reached. This allows them to learn more about your strengths and the personal qualities or skills that make you a deserving recipient of the award. Highlighting a significant academic achievement can allow you to showcase your passion for your area of study or prospective career, and show that you take your education seriously.
5. List your unique skills or qualities
Once you've reviewed your accomplishments, you can also include your unique qualities, skills or strengths to distinguish yourself from other scholarship candidates. You can also include anecdotes about your skill acquisition or discuss role models and review why you admire and respect them. An application letter is an opportunity to provide a scholarship review committee with more information about your personality and aspirations, so make sure to include details that aren't on your academic transcripts.