How to Write a Cover Letter for a Scholarship Application

How to Write a Winning Scholarship Cover Letter

Getting money for college is tough. But a great cover letter can really help! This guide will show you how to write one that gets you noticed. We'll cover everything you need to know.

Why Your Cover Letter Matters

Your grades and test scores show what you've done. Your cover letter shows who you are. It's your chance to connect with the people reading your application. It’s about telling your story, not just listing facts.

What Makes a Cover Letter Great?

1. A Hook: Start with something amazing! Think a quick story, a powerful quote, or a surprising fact. Don't be boring. Make them want to read on!
2. Introduce Yourself: Briefly tell them who you are and what you're studying. Don't repeat your resume. Just highlight your best stuff. Show them you're awesome.
3. Show Off Your Accomplishments: This is huge. Show how you've succeeded. Use numbers – they're impressive. For example, instead of saying "I was a good volunteer," say, "I volunteered 100 hours at the local animal shelter."
4. Show You Get It: Research the scholarship! Show them you understand their mission. It proves you're serious, not just applying anywhere.
5. Your Future Plans: Tell them your goals. Explain how the scholarship will help you achieve them. Be clear and realistic. Show how you and the scholarship are a perfect match.
6. Say Thanks and Ask for It: Thank them for their time. Reiterate your interest. Let them know you're ready for the next step.

More Tips for Success

• Make it Personal: Don't reuse the same letter for every scholarship. Each one is unique! Customize it to fit each scholarship perfectly.
• Check for Errors: Typos are embarrassing! Have a friend or teacher proofread it. A few errors can ruin your chances. Seriously!
• Keep it Short: Aim for one to two pages. People are busy. Get to the point!
• Use Strong Verbs: Instead of "I helped," say "I led." Use action words that show your accomplishments.
• Show, Don't Tell: Instead of saying you’re a great leader, give an example: "As team captain, I increased our fundraising by 30%."
• Be Professional: No slang or informal language. Keep it formal and respectful.
• Look Good: Use a nice font, like Times New Roman or Arial. Make it easy to read.

Examples of Strong Statements

Instead of: "I'm a hard worker."

Try: "At my internship, I consistently exceeded expectations, finishing projects early and getting great feedback."

Instead of: "I'm a good leader."

Try: "As debate team captain, I mentored five new members. This helped the team improve by 20% and win first place!"

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Vague Statements: Be specific! Use examples.
• Typos and Grammar Errors: Proofread carefully!
• Generic Letters: Tailor your letter to each scholarship.
• Irrelevant Info: Stick to what matters.
• Poor Organization: Make it easy to read.

Tell Your Story!

The best cover letters are like good stories. They connect your past, present, and future. Show them how your goals fit with the scholarship's mission. This makes your application memorable.

Review and Submit!

Read your cover letter out loud. Ask a friend for feedback. Revise it until it’s perfect. Then, submit it with confidence! Your cover letter is your chance to shine!

Keywords:

how to write a scholarship cover letter, scholarships, college applications, writing tips, scholarship application, scholarship essay, winning scholarship, scholarship cover letter examples, scholarship letter, financial aid, college funding, higher education funding