How To Write A Scholarship Cover Letter

A scholarship cover letter is a significant, strategic, and beneficial document that allows applicants to express themselves while also providing information about their abilities and ambitions. The Scholarship cover letter is necessary for demonstrating how the scholarship aligns with your personal aspirations and why this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for you. In your letter, you essentially want to pitch yourself. To increase their chances of receiving a scholarship, an applicant must indicate that they are a good student in both academics and extracurricular activities.

scholarship cover letter

Components Of A Scholarship Cover Letter

Scholarship evaluation committees receive many applications with excellent grades, significant extracurricular activities, and high SAT scores. Scholarship applicants who do not stand out will struggle to be identified. While Scholarship cover letters are usually asked as part of scholarship applications, they are also required for job applications. The basic structure of a Scholarship cover letter can be broken down into five parts:

  1. Information about yourself
  2. Opening paragraph
  3. Salutation
  4. Body paragraph(s)
  5. Closing paragraph (call to action)
  6. Signature.

 

Tips For Writing A Scholarship Application Cover Letter

Consider what the scholarship evaluation committee is looking for before writing your Scholarship cover letter (or application) and make it the primary focus of your message. To create an excellent scholarship cover letter and stand out from the crowd, follow the guidelines below:

1. Salutation

Stick with [Dear Title Surname] for a formal document like a scholarship cover letter. As in this example, “Dear Mr. Clark.” Warning! It is not advisable to use “To Whom It May Concern.” It’s a little too old-fashioned than your creepy Uncle’s mullet. Worse, you’ll be at a disadvantage as a result. Personalization is really effective. This is because calling someone by their name engages their brain and causes them to pay greater attention. As a result, be sure that you turn on that switch.

2. Be Concise

While scholarship evaluation committees are interested in learning more about your life and goals, this does not imply that they want your entire life story. Your scholarship cover letter or application should be focused, to the point, and include all of the information that a Scholarship cover letter should contain.

3. Structure Your Scholarship Cover Letter.

The first step is to understand how to format your Scholarship cover letter. Knowing how to sell oneself to a committee you’ve never met can be challenging. If you’re having difficulties figuring out where to begin or how to write your Scholarship cover letter, creating an outline for yourself will assist.

4. Use The Right Format.

You’ll need your name, address, phone number, and email address to get started. After that, provide the date, as well as the name and address of the person to whom you’re writing. It improves the readability of your message and establishes you as an A+ candidate.

5. Start Your Scholarship Application Cover Letter Right

Consider your scholarship cover letter to be a one-minute elevator pitch. You have two minutes to make an impression on the Scholarship evaluation committee and spark their interest in your application. Begin by demonstrating an understanding of the program’s philosophy and enthusiasm for the subject. Demonstrate your importance to the Scholarship evaluation committee.

Demonstrate enthusiasm for the scholarship program, as well as a clear knowledge of the benefits you’ll offer to society once you’ve completed your studies. Come in with energy. That’s a fantastic method to hook them faster than you can say “school’s out for the summer.”

6. In The Heart Of Your Scholarship Cover Letter, Emphasize Your Value.

Demonstrate your unique qualities and long-term objectives. Maintain your relevance to the program and convey your contribution to the Scholarship evaluation committee.

7. Finish With A CTA.

Introduce an inquiry and make a counter-offer. Ensure that your Scholarship cover letter or application is read and that you are granted an interview. For the cherry on top, add a P.S.

 

Necessary Information To Include In Your Scholarship Cover Letter

The following is a list of the most important details to add to your scholarship cover letter.

  1. Describe yourself to the scholarship evaluation committee.
  2. Establish your qualifications and explain why you are eligible for the scholarship.
  3. Demonstrate your enthusiasm for the scholarship.
  4. Explain how you plan to utilize the scholarship.

If you don’t provide this information to scholarship evaluation committees, your cover letter is generally not focused enough.

 

How To Format A Scholarship Cover Letter

Aside from having the proper content structure and order, all of the finest scholarship cover letters must have one more thing—an excellent format. Making a good first impression on the Scholarship evaluation committee begins with using the right cover letter format. Here’s what you should know about Scholarship cover letter formatting and how to do it correctly:

ALSO CHECK OUT:  15 US universities and colleges that offer scholarships for international students 2022

1. Font Style:

Maintain a professional font for your Scholarship cover letter. Use a standard font like Times New Roman, Helvetica, Arial, or Verdana. Avoid using fancy fonts, as they will appear unprofessional to the scholarship evaluation committee and may be missed by applicant tracking systems.

2. Font Size:

Use a font size of no more than 12 points and no less than 10.5 points. Small fonts strain the eyes of the scholarship evaluation committee, while larger fonts are unprofessional.

3. Margins:

Use 1″ to 1.5″ margins for cover letters. Set one-inch margins for an eye-friendly white space frame. It’s okay to change the margins if you’re running out of space. However, don’t apply large changes that make your letter appear excessively thin or too full.

4. Spacing:

You should provide enough space (1 or 1.15) between each section of your cover letter to ensure proper spacing. Paragraphs should be double-spaced. Leave space between the date, the recipient’s address, the salutation, the body paragraphs, the sign-off, signature, and your name.

5. File Format:

If you’re sending a digital version of your cover letter, make sure it’s in PDF or DOCX format. PDFs are difficult to modify, have no compatibility difficulties, and can be read by applicant tracking systems.

6. Naming Your File:

Use an appropriate name for your Scholarship application letter when saving it as a PDF, such as Your-Name-Job-Title-Cover-Letter.pdf.

7. Length:

Your Scholarship application letter should be 250-400 words long and no more than one page long. Email cover letters should be formatted the same way as regular cover letters.

8. Alignment

Align your Scholarship application letter to the left; it’s not only more visually attractive, but it’s also easier on the eyes. Justification isn’t allowed in scholarship application letters because it’s against the regulations.

9. Signature:

In your signature, use a digital representation of your handwritten signature.

10. Saving Your File

Also, make a PDF copy of your Scholarship Cover Letter because it preserves the layout; it’s the perfect file format for cover letters. However, keep a copy in a different format in case some schools refuse to accept PDFs.

 

Scholarship Cover Letter Template

Getting a college scholarship is difficult, but there is a formula for writing a winning scholarship cover letter. Simply use this template to make your letter as well-structured as the finest degree programs available.

  1. The first section you’ll write is a header, which functions similarly to taking attendance in class.
  2. Your contact details
  3. Contact information for the scholarship institution
  4. Dear (name of addressee)
  5. Introduction and a significant achievement relevant to the scholarship.
  6. Paragraph 2:  A summary of your qualifications and why you are a good fit for the scholarship.
  7. Paragraph 3: Demonstrate your enthusiasm and explain why you want it.
  8. Paragraph 4: Your call to action (CTA)
  9. Best regards + your name + title

 

Writing Tailored Paragraphs

Once you’ve gotten your personal information and salutation, your attention should be turned to the most important part: writing personalized paragraphs. Your scholarship application letter should have a defined beginning, middle, and end, just like any other piece of writing. Each paragraph’s function and contents are outlined in the template below:

1. Opening Paragraphs

Begin with an introductory paragraph that briefly describes who you are and your relevant experience, as well as how you learned about the scholarship and why you want to apply. If you’re preparing different cover letters, make sure this paragraph is tailored to each scholarship.

2. Body Paragraphs

The body paragraphs follow, highlighting your academic achievements and any relevant skills and accomplishments. You may need simply one or several body paragraphs depending on the scholarship application criteria (always check the length requirement first). The question you’re trying to answer in this paragraph is what qualifies you for this scholarship, so make sure everything you say supports that claim. If you want to bring the scholarship evaluation committee’s attention to a particularly remarkable accomplishment (or two), make it a bullet point.

3. Closing Paragraph

Finish with a closing paragraph that expresses your interest in the scholarship and why you should be chosen as a recipient. Include a call to action to encourage the committee to contact you, such as saying you’d appreciate the chance to schedule a call or a meeting.

[Sincerely / Best / Regards],

[Enter your name].

 

Pros and Cons of Writing a Scholarship Cover Letter:

Scholarships, fellowships, and research grants provide wonderful opportunities and debt relief, but you must first convince the scholarship evaluation committee with a persuasive scholarship cover letter. Scholarship evaluation committees have a lot of material to evaluate when selecting who should receive a scholarship. Academic excellence (excellent grades, language skills, good overall academic skills, and record) or economic factors will be considered in some circumstances (low income, family difficulties).

ALSO CHECK OUT:  Niche 2000 No Essay Scholarships 2022.

In many circumstances, you need to explain why you are applying for this particular scholarship and how it could help you reach your educational and career goals. This, together with the right submission of any other required paperwork, is one of the most effective means you can use to make your scholarship application letter a success.

1. Explain Why You’re A Good Match For The Scholarship

The scholarship application letter is an opportunity to highlight your key educational and professional qualities, as well as your intentions for future career advancement, why you would be a good fit for this scholarship, and how you would benefit if chosen. Where plausible, provide particular instances to demonstrate each of these points.

2. Establish A Formal Tone, Use A Clear Structure And Check Spellings

The Scholarship cover letter should be formal in tone and follow a clear, concise, and structured flow. Each candidate should also double-check for and correct any spelling or grammar errors. Before sending your Scholarship application letter, have another individual read it with a careful eye. This will help you avoid any spelling or grammatical problems, as well as any information that is confusing, repetitive, or unnecessary to your scholarship request.

3. Match Your Cover Letter To The Context

A Scholarship cover letter may be required for a variety of scholarship applications. You can be applying to a school or a program simultaneously. Alternatively, you may be looking for a grant or scholarship to help pay for tuition or other costs associated with a program to which you have already been accepted. If your letter is for the first case, you should begin with a formal address and greeting, followed by a brief paragraph outlining your academic abilities, accomplishments, and skills.

The paragraph after that should clarify why you need the scholarship to help you pay for your education. The third paragraph should talk about how the specific program, course, or project you are applying for will help you achieve your objectives and how you can contribute during your studies. Do not forget to close with a formal, polite farewell. If you’re writing a letter to request funding for a program you’ve already been accepted to, there are a few things to think about. The opening should follow the same format as the body of the paper, stressing your academic abilities.

In the second paragraph, you should underline your financial situation and why you require the funds. In the third paragraph, you can describe why you want to study at that particular college and how much you will gain from it. In such circumstances, the university may offer you instructions for the data to put in the scholarship application letter, such as income details, employment history, and so on.

4. Customize Your Scholarship Cover Letters:

It’s the small details that make all the difference when drafting cover letters. After you’ve read a stack of cover letters (as the scholarship evaluation committee has), it’s quite easy to tell which ones are generic and which ones are tailored to the individual scholarship. The simplest method to customize your Scholarship cover letters is to add information related to the scholarship in the introductory paragraph. However, you should tailor your body paragraphs to the scholarship you’re seeking to give your Scholarship application letter the best chance of success.

Scholarships are awarded on a variety of grounds. Certain organizations consider academic performance, whereas others consider financial necessity or other specific conditions.

5. Create A Passionate Cover Letter

A compelling opening paragraph comprises of passion, determination, and insight. Also, a nice little humblebrag goes a long way. Make your introduction passionate and focused, regardless of the type of scholarship you’re applying for. Demonstrate right away that you’re a good fit for the program’s objectives.

6. Write a Sensational Middle for Your Scholarship Covering Letter

You’ve written an engaging beginning, but you need to keep the Scholarship evaluation committee engaged. Take inspiration from the best professors you’ve had. They keep you entertained throughout the class. You must keep your readers engaged throughout the message. You’ll need two middle paragraphs to accomplish this. The first section explains why you’re the ideal candidate for the scholarship and your goals. The other demonstrates your enthusiasm for the scholarship program.

ALSO CHECK OUT:  Top Scholarships for Adopted Children 2023

This is a great idea. It precisely addresses the applicant’s requirements and personal circumstances. It should also include your goals and reaffirm your understanding of the program’s philosophy.

7. End Your Cover Letter for Scholarship with a Call to Action

Your Scholarship cover letter is almost perfect, but there’s one more thing you need to do before you graduate from cover letter school. You must outperform the competition and secure a scholarship interview with the Scholarship evaluation committee. How? All you have to do is ask. To do it right, use a CTA. Make them want to meet you by giving them a cause to. All ask and no give, low-energy, old-fashioned. Scholarship cover letters like this usually end up– in the trash.

Pro Tip:

Your hidden weapon is the P.S. It causes the scholarship evaluation committee to sit up and take notice. Use it to add another relevant accomplishment and persuade them to give you an interview. This is the most effective closing method. It also works well for grants and postgraduate research. Simply follow the technique for increasing the value of your invitation, and you’ll be good to go. To summarize, the scholarship application letter is intended to highlight your strengths, academic skills, and career goals. You should make sure you fully communicate all of these to get ahead.

A well-written scholarship cover letter also displays a needy student who excels in his studies as having a good chance of receiving a scholarship. Scholarship evaluation committees and organizations want to see that you’re committed to your academics and want to get the most out of your college experience. An excellent scholarship cover letter allows you to express your interest while also demonstrating that you are deserving of their financial assistance.

 

Top 5 Scholarship Cover Letter Closing Salutations

Use the appropriate formal closing for all forms of scholarship cover letters. Although “Sincerely” is usually an excellent choice, there are other options. Try them for a finishing touch that’s as timeless as a graduation cap and gown.

  1. Thank you,
  2. Best regards,
  3. Kind regards,
  4. Sincerely,
  5. With best regards.

 

Conclusion

Writing a scholarship cover letter allows you to demonstrate your dedication, ambitions, and passion to the scholarship evaluation committee or organization, considerably increasing your chances of persuading them that you’re the ideal candidate for their support. You’ll need a captivating story to set your scholarship application letter apart and persuade the committee that you’re the most eligible for their support. Explain some of your motivations, life struggles, or achievements in your cover letter.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

How Do You Answer “Why Do You Deserve This Scholarship”?

Describe how your education will help you achieve your professional and long-term goals when you graduate. Concentrate on the scholarship’s goal. Keep in mind what the scholarship is for and where it comes from while writing your essay. Customize your response to the scholarship such that it strikes a chord with the review panel.

What Makes A Good Candidate For A Scholarship?

Scholarships are more likely to be awarded to applicants who are focused on their short and long-term goals. Students who are not easily distracted are more likely to be sponsored by organizations. The best method to demonstrate that you are focused on your academic and career goals is to submit a well-written Scholarship application letter that is brief, focused, and not confusing.

How Do You End A Scholarship?

Thank your reader for taking the time to read your Scholarship cover letter and for taking the time to think about what you’ve written. Close with a formal statement. A scholarship application letter should be written in the same manner as a business letter. Instead of “Fondly” or “Best wishes,” use “Sincerely” or “Regards.”

What Is The Most Important Part Of A Cover Letter?

The body of a Scholarship cover letter or an email message seeking employment is the most important part. The paragraphs in the body of a cover letter describe why you are interested in and qualified for a scholarship or an advertised job: Why are you writing?

How do you end a scholarship cover letter?

Close in a formal manner. A scholarship letter should be written in the same format as a business letter. Instead of using a more casual phrase like “Fondly” or “Best wishes,” use “Sincerely” or “Regards.”

How do you write a scholarship cover letter?

Here are some pointers on how to write a strong scholarship cover letter.

  • Describe why you’d be a good fit for the scholarship.
  • Set a formal tone, follow a clear structure, and double-check spellings.
  • Match the tone of your cover letter to the situation.
READ ALSO: Free Accredited High School Diploma Online for Adults

COPYRIGHT WARNING! Contents on this website may not be republished, reproduced, redistributed either in whole or in part without due permission or acknowledgment. All contents are protected by DMCA.

The content on this site is posted with good intentions. If you own this content & believe your copyright was violated or infringed, make sure you contact us at [xscholarshipc(@)gmail(dot)com] and actions will be taken immediately.

Photo of author

Martin Uwakwe

As an SEO Strategist, Web Analytics Expert, and Content Developer with over 7 years of experience, I'm passionate about leveraging data-driven insights to optimize online visibility, drive organic traffic, and boost search rankings. My track record includes successfully optimizing and analyzing hundreds of e-commerce websites, managing multi-million-dollar marketing budgets for maximum ROI, and crafting engaging content that resonates with audiences. With proficiency in SEO, data analysis, web optimization tools, and content creation, I'm dedicated to helping businesses thrive in the digital landscape.