WRITING AN APPLICATION LETTER FOR SCHOLARSHIP

There are many companies and organizations that donate scholarships each year to college
students. To apply for this money for school, an application letter needs to be sent. The purpose
of this letter is to convince the powers that who they should award the money to.

The content of this letter should be centered on academic accomplishments and stress leadership
abilities and initiative. This letter must be correctly formatted with proper spelling and grammar.
Any errors could be cause for an immediate rejection of the request.

Before writing anything, make sure to gather specifics that will be needed for the letter. Some
scholarships have specific applications requirements and if these guidelines are not followed,
they application can be instantly rejected.
Because of the importance of this letter, create an initial draft and look for any errors. The letter
should begin with an introductory statement and the paragraphs following should also address
the detailed reasons why this scholarship should be awarded

Focus on the Educational & Career Goals

The first paragraph should talk and focus on the educational and career goals of the applicant. It
is appropriate to discuss interests and the chosen field of study. Give them all the reasons they
want why they should invest in helping this person to further their education.

It is always great to show a bit of passion in the area of course work. Organizations want to give
their money to a student that is considered to be worthy, not give their money to someone who
is going to drop out a few months later. 

The second paragraph needs to focus on strengths. If there are any extracurricular actives or if
this person has done any community work, it should be stated here. Any academic awards also
need to be listed in this paragraph. If a person was valedictorian or graduated with honors, be
sure to highlight this in the second paragraph.

This paragraph is all about selling the person and their abilities a bit. Think that extracurricular
stuff doesn’t matter, think again? The more a person is involved in school and the extra
activities, the likelihood of them staying increases. 

Never Act Desperate for Money

A third paragraph targets why this person needs to be considered for the application. This
should be spoken directly to the person/company that is handling out the money. It is necessary
to be professional, but always be direct. Never act desperate for money, rather desperate for
education and the money will help fund this. It is acceptable to talk about housing, books, food
and all the costs associated with college. 

There may be room for a fourth paragraph, depending on how much a person has to write.
Make the reviewer feel confident that the application they are looking at is a sure thing. Highlight
any talents and let them feel some confidence that the program will be completed. Since this will
probably be the closing paragraph, be sure to restate the goals including both carrier and
educational.

The letter should be around 1-2 pages and never go over the two page mark. Make the font 12
and use double spacing to make it easy to read. Always use resume or appropriate stationery
paper so that it stands out from other letters. Check and recheck for clerical errors and make
sure the letter is perfect.

Sample 1 - Application Letter for Scholarship

Name of Applicant
Address of Applicant
City, State, Zip Code
DATE

Name of Head of Scholarship Committee

Name of Scholarship or Institution
Address of Institution
City, State, Zip Code

RE: Application for [NAME of SCHOLARSHIP] cover letter

Dear Name of Head of Scholarship Committee:

I was excited to read about the [$10,000] scholarship that [Name of Institution] was giving to one
lucky college student. My goal is to go to [Name of College] in [Name of City] to pursue a
nursing degree. It has always been my passion to be a nurse ever since I was a little girl. My
mother was a nurse before her tragic passing, and she loved her patients and took care of them
so well. By completing my nursing degree, I feel that I will not only further my career, but I will
also pay tribute to my mother who gave her life for her calling. Being a nurse means everything
to me. 

I graduated from [Name of High School] in [YEAR] with honors. I took a year off to travel and
see the world, but now I am ready to get back into school. I was an active student at my high
school. I served on the debate team and also ran for class president. I was class valedictorian
and like to get involved in any extracurricular activities that the school offered. I believe in not
just attending school but also getting involved in it. 

[Name of Head of Scholarship Committee], I know that you will receive numerous applications
for this scholarship. I am hoping that you will consider my application and allow me to fulfill my
dream of being a nurse. The medical field is challenging and one that has difficult classes;
however, I feel that I will have no problem arising to this challenge. To be a nurse means
everything to me, but with the cost of room and board, books and all the other charges, it is
going to be tight. I appreciate your consideration. 

Sincerely,

Signature of Applicant
Printed Name of Applicant
List of Enclosures

Sample 2 - Application Letter for Scholarship

Name of Applicant
Address of Applicant
City, State, Zip Code
DATE

Name of Head of Scholarship Committee

Name of Scholarship or Institution
Address of Institution
City, State, Zip Code

RE: Application for [NAME of SCHOLARSHIP] cover letter

Dear Name of Head of Scholarship Committee:

I am submitting this application for the [NAME of SCHOLARSHIP] to further my education in

environmental studies. I have studied for two years in Name of University and require financial
assistance to complete my degree in Environmental Science. I have worked part-time in a
recycling center for the past two years and wish to work in the field of environmental
sustainability. However, I need a degree to advance in this field. 

I spent the last two years of high school volunteering in a waste management facility in the city
and have gained a lot of experience in the field. I won an award for creative management for
recycling plastic water bottles. My goal is to work to have an impact on many environmental
issues such as solar power, wind power as well as waste management. One of the most
profound experiences of my life was a trip I took to see the island of waste in the northern
Pacific Ocean.

If I am fortunate enough to receive this scholarship, I will finish my degree to qualify for a job in
a company that promotes sustainability in their business ethic. My father died five years ago and
I was able to pay for my first two years at university with the insurance money, but my mother is
no longer able to support my university tuition.

Thank you for considering my application. I have enclosed a recommendation letter from my
university councilor along with the application form and my transcripts. I hope to hear from you
soon. I can be reached at [555-123-4567] or at [Name@email.com].

Sincerely,

Signature of Applicant
Printed Name of Applicant
List of Enclosures