A Letter of Intent for Scholarship (LOI) is a letter that may be one of the requirements for receiving a scholarship at a college or university. A letter of intent is a great way for students who want to get a scholarship to express their strong interest in the chosen field and their worthiness of receiving the requested financial aid.
The main information that should be conveyed through the free fillable school letter of intent is a student’s educational and career goals, as well as areas of interest at college or university. The letter should demonstrate that a student has the potential to excel in their field of study and is deserving of an awarding body’s investment.
What should A Letter of Intent for Scholarship Contain?
Though some scholarship applicants see these contents as unnecessary, there are strict rules which guide every scholarship letter. In the same manner, the LOI has its own rules and areas which must be covered in the letter.
Such letters must contain the following:
- Study plan
- Background, skills, and personal traits
- Future long-term and short-term goals
Let me go into full details.
1. Study Plan
When applying for a scholarship, you should use a letter of intent to discuss the field of study that interests you and how it relates to the career that you want to pursue after graduation.
For example, you could say that you’ve always been interested in software engineering and want to learn more about it in college. You intend to continue your education after graduation by enrolling in a graduate-level program in Artificial Intelligence and Robotics. You are interested in the development of industrial robots that could reduce the need for human labor in heavy industry factories.
Your goal is to demonstrate clearly what you want to do in college or university and how the degree will help you in your future career.
It would also be beneficial to include the names of specific faculty members who could serve as mentors. It would demonstrate that you have conducted preliminary research and are focused in your study plans.
2. Background, skills, and personal traits
Your previous degrees and academic achievements are also of interest to the scholarship committee. It would be ideal to include any field-related work experience, training, or courses you have completed, as well as any relevant skills and qualities you possess. Everything should reflect your commitment to your field of interest.
3. Future long-term and short-term goals
Add your long-term and short-term goals to your letter of intent to make it look more purposeful. A master’s degree in Artificial Intelligence and Robotics, for example, could be a short-term goal, while becoming a Machine Learning Research Scientist at a large engineering and robotics design firm could be a long-term goal.
Format for Writing a Letter of Intent for a Scholarship
As you already know, a scholarship letter or essay contains the introductory part, the body and and the conclusion (end). In the same way, the LOI has these same parts with other unique parts such as the address and the salutation. But how do you go about each part of the letter. Let’s see to that!
SEE ALSO:Â The Best Person to Write a Letter of Recommendation for You
1. Start with the Information about the applicant or recipient (Address)
The recipient’s or applicant’s information should come first. Write your name, address, and the effective date of the LOI in the top left corner of the letter. In addition, write “admission committee” and the name and address of the college or university.
2. The Opening (Salutation)
How do you start a letter for a scholarship? Begin with “dear committee” or “respected Mr./Mrs.,” then state your name and the purpose of this letter, which is to apply for a scholarship to study at the chosen program. Explain how it will complement your previous degree and bring you closer to the career you want.
3. The Body
Discuss your enthusiasm for the field in the first paragraph of the main body. Explain why you chose to pursue your previous degree and what you learned during your studies. You can also include any extracurricular activities related to the field you want to pursue. Include your highest academic achievements.
Extend on your previous work experience, if any, in the following paragraph. Explain what you had to do at work and how it helped you advance your knowledge and gain valuable industry insights. You can also discuss the benefits you have brought to the company, particularly if they are quantifiable.
Furthermore, describe your short and long-term objectives. Tell what degree you want to pursue and what career goals you have for yourself.
4. Closing (Conclusion)
Thank the committee for considering your application in the final paragraph of your letter of intent and state that your desire to learn more about the field will make you a successful student. Declare that you expect a response soon and close with a respectful statement. Finally, sign your name in the lower-left corner of the letter.
Letter of Intent for Scholarship Sample
“From: Marco McDrive
7 S. Homestead Ave.
Laredo, TX 78043
April 4, 2021
To: Luke Wilson
Head of Scholarship Program
The University of Texas at Austin
Austin, TX 78712
RE: Letter of intent for a scholarship for MBA
Dear Mr. McDrive,
I am sending this letter to apply for the full scholarship at The University of Texas at Austin for MBA in Robotics starting in September. I was selected to join the course at your university, so I am writing this letter to show my interest in applying for the scholarship for this course.
I have been a diligent student throughout my academic life. I have always been at the top of my class and participated in various extracurricular activities such as playing baseball, attending a robotics school and volunteering at animal shelters. I have got a Bachelor’s degree in Artificial Intelligence and Robotics with distinction. I have always wanted to continue my studies and get a Mater’s degree in the same field at The University of Texas at Austin. With the help of the scholarship, I will be able to finish my MBA and fulfill my dream.
I humbly request you to consider my application for the full scholarship. Thank you in advance for taking your time. I look forward to hearing from you at my email or phone number provided at the top of this letter.
Sincerely,
Marco McDrive”
SOURCE: FormsPal
