Attending college for a four-year degree can be incredibly expensive, with costs reaching up to $100,000. As a result, many young people are unable to afford it without scholarships and other forms of financial aid.
Scholarship programs often select recipients based on academic talent, performance, or economic factors such as being a citizen of a developing country. To increase your chances of being chosen by scholarship coordinators, it is essential to craft a strong Scholarship Cover Letter.
Here are some steps to help you write an effective cover letter for a scholarship application:
1. Use the proper cover letter template:
Follow the correct format when writing your cover letter. You need to present yourself as someone who knows what they’re doing and impress the scholarship coordinators. The following items should be included in sequential order:
- Your contact information
- Address the letter to the specific person you are contacting, using their name
- 1st Paragraph: Introduction and highlight key achievements that align with the scholarship requirements
- 2nd Paragraph: Provide important details about yourself and explain why you qualify for the scholarship
- 3rd Paragraph: Express your genuine interest in the scholarship and explain why you are deserving of it
- 4th Paragraph: Include a call to action
- End the letter with “Best Regards” followed by your name
2. Format the cover letter correctly:
Ensure that you format your cover letter correctly as a formal business letter. Follow these guidelines:
- Left-align your letter for better readability
- Avoid justification and maintain one-inch margins for white space
- Double-space your paragraphs for easier reading
- Use a spacing of 1.0 or 1.15 in your letter
- Save a backup copy of your letter in PDF format to preserve the layout
3. Use a formal tone and clear structure:
Ensure you maintain a formal tone and follow a clear structure. Avoid sounding informal or disorganized. Proofread your work to eliminate any spelling errors and consider asking someone with an objective viewpoint to review your letter for feedback.
4. Grab their attention from the start:
Capture the interest of the scholarship committee from the beginning. Show your passion for education, dedication to your studies, and how the scholarship would greatly assist you. Humblebrag about your academic achievements and convey your talent in the field.
Make sure you understand the target group of the scholarship program and show how you align with their objectives.
5. End the letter appropriately:
End the letter with a simple closing, such as “Best Regards,” followed by your full name and signature. If you have any additional information to add, you can include it in the P.S. section just below the closing greeting.
By following these steps, you can increase your chances of success in the scholarship application process.