If you are applying for a college scholarship, you will often be asked to write a letter to go with your application. The letter generally introduces you and highlights the qualifications that make you the best candidate for the scholarship. It is important to follow the scholarship guidelines carefully and include the information asked for in the letter. As with any professional written document, you need to follow word length requirements and proofread for spelling and grammar mistakes before turning in your letter and application.
Make sure you address the scholarship letter to the proper person or committee. Read the scholarship instructions carefully to see who is receiving your application and letter.
Use a business letter format to write your scholarship letter. Put your return address and the date at the top of the letter. The addressee's contact information goes next, followed by your greeting. After your greeting, write the body of your letter in block format. Finally, close your letter and sign your name.
Write an introductory paragraph that is brief and states your purpose for writing the letter, including the name of the scholarship. Include a summary statement about your qualifications that make you the best candidate, such as: "My academic success as well as my leadership qualities and extracurricular activities make me the perfect candidate for this scholarship."
Include in the body paragraphs at least three specific examples of accomplishments that meet the scholarship qualifications. You may have already listed these accomplishments on your application, but this is your chance to highlight them and explain them with more details.
Close the scholarship letter with a short paragraph, thanking the person or committee for considering your application. Add a sentence, such as: "I look forward to hearing from you soon."
Check over your scholarship letter for grammar and punctuation mistakes, and edit it for clarity.
Tip
If possible, keep your letter to one page.