Master the art of scholarship cover letter writing, formatting, and best practices with this step-by-step guide we created for you!
Securing a scholarship can be a game-changer for many students, offering them the financial freedom to focus on their studies without the burden of tuition fees. However, with numerous candidates applying for the same scholarship, it’s crucial to stand out from the crowd. One effective way to do this is by crafting a compelling scholarship cover letter.
This document allows you to showcase your achievements, dedication, and future aspirations in a personalized manner, making a strong case for why you deserve the scholarship. So, in this guide, we’ll walk you through the essential steps to create a scholarship cover letter that leaves a lasting impression on the selection committee.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed about creating your scholarship cover letter and don’t know how to organize it, you’re not alone. This is what every student struggles with, especially if they’re writing such a document for the first time.
Luckily, there’s a structured cover letter format you can follow to ensure your letter is both compelling and organized. Here’s a breakdown of the format to guide you:
Now that we’ve outlined the entire scholarship cover letter, here is what you need to know about the cover letter layout:
To help you out, here is a scholarship cover letter template you can follow when crafting your own:
To help readers easily navigate your scholarship cover letter, you should break it down into specific sections. Each of these segments plays its own role in painting a comprehensive picture of your qualifications and dedication, and here’s what they include:
The start of your scholarship cover letter sets the formal tone and provides essential contact details. Therefore, you should ensure you incorporate the following in it:
Subsequently, taking the extra step to identify and address the appropriate individual or committee head in the cover letter heading can make a significant difference. In fact, it will demonstrate your genuine interest and commitment to the scholarship opportunity.
Here is an example of what this section should look like:
Sophia Martinez (213) 555-1234 sophia.martinez@email.com 1234 Elm Street Los Angeles, CA, 90001 11/04/2023 Dr. James Thompson Scholarship Committee Chair University of California 5678 Oak Avenue Los Angeles, CA, 90095
Following the detailed contact information, you should greet the scholarship committee or specific individual formally, setting a respectful tone for your cover letter. A simple “Dear Dr. Thompson” will do—there’s no need for any extra details.
The best way to figure out who is on the committee is to do some research. However, if the specific name of the committee chair or member is unknown, you can address the entire committee, such as Dear Scholarship Committee. That being said, it’s best to avoid the impersonal To whom it may concern, as it lacks the personal touch that can make your letter stand out.
The opening statement of your scholarship cover letter is your first opportunity to make an impression. It should introduce who you are, summarize your academic background, and provide a brief overview of your goals and achievements.
Additionally, this section also specifies the particular type of scholarship you’re applying for, especially if the university offers multiple options.
With all that in mind, here is an example of what this section should look like:
Dear Dr. James Thompson,
As an incoming student at UCLA’s renowned School of Medicine for the 2023 fall term, I am reaching out to express my profound interest in the UCLA Regents Scholarship Program. My journey toward medicine has always been driven by a deep-seated desire to innovate in healthcare and make a lasting impact on community health. I believe that with the support of this scholarship, I can further develop my goal of advancing medical research and patient care, upholding the esteemed reputation of UCLA’s School of Medicine.
In the heart of your scholarship cover letter lies the section where you get to shine the brightest: the academic and extracurricular showcase. This segment illustrates your academic prowess, extracurricular engagements, hard and soft skills, as well as the experiences that make you an ideal candidate for the scholarship.
The following is an example of what a solid showcase of academic and extracurricular achievements for an application letter for a scholarship in college should look like:
Growing up in a humble neighborhood in Los Angeles, I’ve witnessed firsthand the disparities in healthcare access and quality. My parents, both immigrants, often struggled to find adequate medical care, instilling in me a profound desire to make a difference.
As the potential first college attendee in my family, I aim to specialize in community medicine to serve underrepresented populations. This passion was further fueled when I spearheaded the “Community Health Awareness” campaign at Jefferson High School in collaboration with the American Medical Association.
My dedication also led me to volunteer at the local community clinic, gaining insights into patient care. Winning the regional “Young Medics Challenge” for a community health project showcased my commitment to bridging healthcare gaps. Therefore, receiving the UCLA medical scholarship would not only be a testament to my dedication but also a step toward my goal of serving the community.
This section invites the scholarship committee to get in touch with you in order to further discuss your potential contributions and how they align with the scholarship’s objectives.
By providing a call to action, you’re encouraging the committee to reach out, be it to schedule an interview, view your portfolio, or explore other relevant materials you’ve provided.
Here is an example of how to feature this section in a scholarship letter for a student:
I welcome the opportunity to discuss my aspirations and qualifications further. Please find attached my academic portfolio for a deeper insight. I’m hopeful for a chance to contribute to UCLA’s esteemed medical community.
To end your cover letter, opt for a classic and universally accepted closing such as Sincerely, Kind regards, or Warm regards. Avoid overly casual or informal sign-offs, as they might not convey the seriousness and respect the application process demands.
After your chosen sign-off, leave a space for a signature (if sending a hard copy), and then type your full name.
For inspiration, take a look at our complete scholarship cover letter example.
Here are a few cover letter tips that will help you polish your document to perfection:
Crafting a compelling scholarship cover letter is an important step in securing the financial support you need for your academic journey. This guide has provided a comprehensive roadmap of the process, starting from the formatting to the final touches, all of which should make your letter stand out in a sea of applications.
Remember, your scholarship cover letter is more than just a formality—it’s a reflection of your dedication, achievements, and aspirations. By personalizing it, showcasing your most significant accomplishments, and adhering to the scholarship’s guidelines, you position yourself as a deserving candidate!
Isabelle Dupont Content Writer & EditorIsabelle Dupont is from Portland, but she now lives and works in sunny San Diego. She is a content writer and editor for Resume.co. She loves casual Fridays and carefree days spent on the beach and has been writing for several years now. Whether it’s creating content or fixing it up, she’s always on point and makes sure no stone is left unturned. In her free time, Isa loves to immerse herself in fantasy novels, go on long hikes, and spend time with her friends and family.
