How To Write A Winning Cover Letter For A Scholarship Application

When you’re applying for scholarships, your cover letter can be a powerful tool that brings your application to life. More than just a summary of your achievements, a strong cover letter provides the chance to tell your story, express your goals, and explain why you’re the ideal candidate for the award. If you’re wondering how to write a cover letter for a scholarship, you’re in the right place – the National Society of High School Scholars not only offers scholarships, but we’ve helped countless students land them and have compiled our best tips here.

Why a Scholarship Cover Letter Matters

A scholarship cover letter is often your first opportunity to make a personal connection with the selection committee. It complements your academic records, recommendation letters, and application form by sharing your unique voice and aspirations. Think of it as your elevator pitch—it should explain who you are, what you’re passionate about, and how the scholarship will help you achieve your educational and career goals.

At NSHSS, we know that standing out in a competitive pool of applicants takes more than just good grades. Your ability to communicate clearly and sincerely plays a major role. That’s why we’ve compiled expert tips and advice on writing a cover letter that works, available here.

Start With a Strong Opening

Start your letter with a professional salutation addressed to the scholarship committee. If you know the name of the scholarship sponsor or a specific contact, use it. If not, “Dear Scholarship Committee” is perfectly acceptable.

In the opening paragraph, introduce yourself and state the scholarship you're applying for. Then, briefly explain why you’re interested in this particular opportunity. This could be as simple as: 

My name is Jane Smith, and I am applying for the NSHSS STEAM Scholarship. As a high school senior passionate about engineering and community service, I believe this scholarship aligns perfectly with my goals and values.

If you want to stand out a bit more, you can also go for an attention-grabbing hook that is still professional.

Share Your Story

In the body of the letter, go beyond what’s already in your resume. This is your opportunity to talk about your background, your journey, and the experiences that have shaped your ambitions. Scholarship committees often want to know not just what you’ve achieved, but what you’ve overcome and what motivates you.

You might include:

• A personal anecdote about how you became interested in your field of study

• A challenge you faced and how it impacted your growth

• A specific academic or extracurricular achievement you’re proud of

Keep your tone authentic and focused. Let your personality come through while maintaining a professional voice.

Align Your Goals With the Scholarship’s 

Scholarship programs often come from organizations or funds that have specific missions, and the more you can show you align with them, the better your chances. Always start by researching the sponsoring organization to understand what they value so that you can explain how your goals reflect those values.

For instance, if you’re applying for a scholarship that supports students in leadership and service, emphasize your community involvement or leadership roles. If the scholarship is designed for future educators, talk about your long-term vision for making an impact in education.

Emphasize What You’ll Do With the Opportunity

Don’t just focus on why you need the scholarship—focus on what you’ll do with it. Selection committees want to invest in students who will make a difference, so describe how the scholarship will help you reach your goals and what kind of positive impact you hope to have.

For example:

Receiving this scholarship would allow me to pursue my degree in environmental science without financial stress, enabling me to focus on research into sustainable agriculture practices. My goal is to return to my hometown and implement educational programs for young farmers.

Connecting the opportunity to tangible outcomes helps you demonstrate your vision and commitment to making the most of the support.

Stay Clear, Concise, and Polished

Your cover letter should be no more than one page, but ideally it should stay at 3-4 paragraphs. Use a clear and easy-to-read font, and avoid overly complex language or filler words, with focused and purposeful sentences.

Before you submit, proofread multiple times for grammar, punctuation, and clarity. Ask a trusted teacher, mentor, or family member to review your letter, too.

Sample Structure for a Scholarship Cover Letter

Need help getting started? Here's a general structure you can follow:

1. Header and Salutation

• Your name, address, date

• Salutation (e.g., "Dear Scholarship Committee")

2. Paragraph 1: Introduction

• Introduce yourself and the scholarship

• Express enthusiasm and why it’s important to you

3. Paragraph 2: Academic and Personal Background

• Share your academic interests and relevant personal story

• Highlight key accomplishments or challenges

4. Paragraph 3: Career Goals and Alignment

• Connect your future goals with the scholarship’s mission

• Show how the scholarship will help you contribute to your field or community

5. Closing Paragraph

• Thank the committee

• Restate your interest and appreciation

• Sign off professionally (“Sincerely,” followed by your name)

You can find more commonly asked questions about scholarship applications—including how to write a cover letter—on the NSHSS Scholarship FAQ page.

Final Tips

• Customize each cover letter to the scholarship you’re applying for. Don’t send a generic letter to multiple opportunities.

• Be honest and reflective—your authenticity will resonate more than trying to sound “perfect.”

• Don’t be afraid to show passion. A cover letter with energy and clarity stands out.

Writing a winning cover letter isn’t just about checking boxes—it’s about sharing who you are and what drives you. And don’t forget, there are tons of scholarships available for high school and college students through NSHSS. Be sure to explore all our current opportunities here.