A scholarship cover letter is a document that is submitted along with a scholarship application to provide additional information about the applicant and to demonstrate their suitability for the scholarship. The cover letter should be written in a formal business letter format and should highlight the applicant's qualifications, skills, and experiences that make them a strong candidate for the scholarship. It should also explain why the applicant is seeking the scholarship and how it will help them achieve their goals. The cover letter should be tailored to the specific scholarship and should address the criteria or requirements outlined by the scholarship committee. It should be well-written and free of errors to give the applicant the best chance of being considered for the scholarship.

 

Steps to write a scholarship cover letter

• Start with the date and your contact information. This should include your name, address, phone number, and email address.

• Address the letter to the scholarship committee or the person responsible for awarding the scholarship.

• In the opening paragraph, introduce yourself and explain why you are writing. Mention the scholarship for which you are applying and how you learned about it.

• In the body of the letter, highlight your qualifications, skills, and experiences that make you a strong candidate for the scholarship. Emphasize any achievements or awards you have received, and explain how they have prepared you for the scholarship.

• Explain why you are seeking the scholarship and how it will help you achieve your goals. This is your opportunity to show the committee why you are deserving of the scholarship and how it will make a difference in your life.

• In the closing paragraph, thank the committee for considering your application and express your sincere interest in the scholarship.

• End the letter with a formal closing, such as "Sincerely," followed by your name and contact information.

• Proofread your letter carefully to ensure that it is free of errors and reads well.

 

Mistakes should avoid in scholarship cover letter

 

There are several mistakes that you should avoid when writing a scholarship cover letter:

• Not following the application guidelines: Make sure to carefully read and follow all of the instructions for the scholarship application, including any guidelines for the cover letter.

• Failing to tailor the letter to the scholarship: Each scholarship has its own specific criteria and requirements. Make sure to address these in your cover letter and explain how you meet them.

• Not proofreading: A cover letter with spelling and grammar errors will reflect poorly on your attention to detail and may disqualify you from consideration. Be sure to proofread your letter carefully before submitting it.

• Using a generic or cookie-cutter letter: Your cover letter should be unique and specific to you. Avoid using a template or copying a letter that you have used for other scholarships.

• Not expressing your passion and motivation: The committee wants to know why you are applying for the scholarship and how it will help you achieve your goals. Make sure to explain your motivation and enthusiasm for the scholarship in your cover letter.

• Not following proper formatting: A cover letter should be written in a formal business letter format. Make sure to include the date, your contact information, and a proper salutation and closing.

• Not keeping it concise: Keep your cover letter to one page and focus on the most important information about yourself. Avoid repeating information that is already included in your application.

 

Here is an example of a scholarship cover letter

Dear [Scholarship Committee],

I am writing to apply for the [Scholarship Name] scholarship. I learned about this opportunity through [Where you heard about the scholarship] and am very excited to apply.

I am a [Year in school] student at [University Name] majoring in [Major]. Throughout my time in college, I have consistently excelled academically, earning a [GPA] and being named to the Dean's List [Number] times. In addition to my academic achievements, I have also been actively involved in [Extracurricular activities] and have held leadership roles in several student organizations.

I am seeking this scholarship to help me continue my education and achieve my goal of becoming a [Career goal]. I am confident that receiving this scholarship will allow me to focus on my studies and make the most of my time at [University Name].

Thank you for considering my application. I am truly grateful for this opportunity and am eager to contribute to the [Scholarship Name] community.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]