How to Get Strong Recommendation Letters for Scholarships

Introduction to Scholarship Applications

Scholarship committees use various documents to verify what candidates say about themselves and to understand how they appear to others who have worked with them closely. A typical scholarship application includes a CV, cover letter, motivation letter, personal statement, and recommendation letters. Each of these documents plays a crucial role in showcasing a candidate's skills, achievements, and potential.

Structuring Your Application Documents

A strong CV is usually 1-2 pages long and includes sections such as education, work experience, skills, and achievements. A cover letter or motivation letter is typically 1 page long and explains why you are applying for the scholarship and how it aligns with your goals. A personal statement is usually 2-3 pages long and provides a detailed account of your background, interests, and career aspirations.

Concrete Examples of Weak vs. Strong Phrasing

For example, instead of saying "I am a hardworking and punctual person," a strong CV might say "I successfully managed a team project, ensuring that all tasks were completed on time and to a high standard." Similarly, instead of saying "I am a team player," a strong cover letter might say "I effectively coordinated a group project, ensuring that all members were on track to meet the deadline and contributing to the project's overall success."

More Examples

• A weak personal statement might say "I want to study abroad because it will be a great experience." A strong personal statement would say "I am applying for the XYZ Scholarship to pursue a master's degree in environmental science at a university in Sweden, where I can gain expertise in sustainable development and apply it to address environmental challenges in my home country."
• A weak recommendation letter might say "The candidate is a good student." A strong recommendation letter would say "I witnessed the candidate design and implement a research project on climate change, demonstrating their ability to collect and analyze data, think critically, and communicate complex ideas effectively."

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Reviewers often see applications with generic or vague language, lack of specific examples, and insufficient information about the candidate's goals and motivations. Other common mistakes include asking referees at the last minute, failing to provide necessary information, and not following up with referees to ensure they have completed the letter.

Checklist for Your Draft

Before submitting your application, run your draft against the following checklist:

• Have you selected referees who can speak to specific qualities the scholarship values?
• Have you provided your referees with all necessary information, including your CV and personal statement?
• Have you given your referees enough time to complete the letter, ideally 3 months before the deadline?
• Have you followed up with your referees to ensure they have completed the letter?
• Is your CV tailored to the scholarship, highlighting relevant skills and experiences?
• Is your cover letter or motivation letter clear and concise, explaining why you are applying for the scholarship and how it aligns with your goals?
• Is your personal statement well-structured and detailed, providing a clear account of your background, interests, and career aspirations?

Conclusion

Writing a strong scholarship application requires careful planning, attention to detail, and a clear understanding of what the scholarship committee is looking for. By avoiding common mistakes, providing specific examples, and showcasing your skills and achievements, you can increase your chances of success. Oppora lists current, verified scholarship opportunities and is worth checking back on regularly for new ones.