When it comes to pursing your degree, getting a scholarship might be what determines whether or not you get into the school of your choice. Before writing the cover letter you will use to introduce yourself along with your scholarship application letter, it’s a smart idea to write down all of the components of the letter. Because the scholarship letter will help the committee’s first impression of you, it’s important that you include all of the necessary information.
Recipient
Even if you are applying for multiple scholarships, it is considered bad form to send out generic letters to each committee. Instead, each letter should be tailored specifically to that scholarship foundation. This includes doing the necessary research to find out what specific person in the organization will be considering your letter.
Reasons for Applying
Aside from the obvious reason, which is money, the committee will want to know why you have chosen their scholarship in particular. Without going overboard, this is your opportunity to flatter the foundation and explain why you felt compelled to reach out and apply for their scholarship.
Goals
The body of your scholarship letter should focus on the future and your goals. Most scholarships are set up with a specific purpose or intent when it comes to what type of student they are helping. Make a connection between this scholarship foundation’s mission and your own career mission.
Credentials
The committee will also appreciate reading about a few of your accomplishments, skills or any other facts that support your belief that you deserve of the scholarship. As with the previous section, it is ideal to make a personal connection by pointing out your achievements that relate to the mission and ideals of the scholarship committee.
Current Situation
Your scholarship letter should explain to the committee where you are at this point in your education or career. Whether you’re coming straight out of your bachelor’s degree into your master’s, you’ve taken a year off to travel abroad or you’ve been working for five years and are now returning for a doctoral degree, your current situation will be a deciding factor when the committee makes their decision.