The purpose of a scholarship application letter is to summarize your academic, social, and personal qualities.

Scholarship application letter can make or break your application, as it is your opportunity to showcase your knowledge before an in-person interview (in certain cases. Application letters are not required for every scholarship application. Yet when they are necessary and critical.

Also note that most scholarship selection officers spend only 1-2 minutes reading your letter, this is because they have a lot of other letters to go through so it is important to grab their interest in the first two sentences of your letter and make the letter summarily short.

Before you begin to write a scholarship application letter, take out time to think about the purpose of the letter. Jot down the important points you need to make in your letter while you brainstorm when writing the letter, be concise and stay on topic. Do not digress while trying to make a point.

Scholarship application letters vary by award, but they usually consist of three elements:

An introduction: Three body paragraphs

Your introduction should include your name, level of education and the degree program.

Your first body paragraph should include any work-related experience you have. This can include both paid and unpaid internships. You should show the growth of your career in chronological order. Finally, suggest where your career will go with continued education.

Your second body paragraph should explain what you hope to gain from your education. Think of which problems you aim to solve or uncover.

A conclusion

Your final body paragraph should explain your holistic plans for the future. Some ideas for inspiration:

Applications will often require you to state why the scholarship should be awarded. Tell them about the recognition and awards you’ve received. Emphasize activities that show your talents and passions, especially things that demonstrate your ability to lead, be creative, persevere, and care for your community. Sell yourself but don’t exaggerate.

Some applications require recommendation letters. Think carefully about who should write these letters and choose people who have as much information about you as possible and can speak to your strengths and ability to overcome your weaknesses. You are advised not to get a letter of recommendation from family members.

Take note of the scholarship requirements and include all the requested information.

Finally, make sure you proofread over and over again. The more people you can ask to help proofread your letter the better.