How to write a scholarship appeal letter: A step-by-step guide

5 key takeaways about scholarship appeal letters

• Be clear and concise: Make sure your letter is organized and keeps to the facts.
• Explain your financial need: Share specific details about your financial situation.
• Provide supporting information: Include documentation to back up your claims. Maintain a positive tone: Stay respectful and express gratitude throughout.
• Stay proactive: Keep looking for other scholarships with free tools like Scholly Scholarships.

Here’s how to write a scholarship appeal letter

Getting a scholarship can feel like the ultimate win, but what happens if you’re denied or don’t get the financial aid you were hoping for? First off, take a breath and don’t panic! If you’ve been denied a scholarship or your financial aid package doesn’t meet your needs, you might have the option to appeal the decision, typically by writing a letter to the scholarship organization or financial aid office. Writing an appeal letter may seem intimidating, but with the right approach, you can make a strong case for yourself.

Let’s break down how to write an effective appeal letter that gives you the best shot at success.

Steps to writing a strong scholarship appeal

1. Start with gratitude. Begin your letter by thanking the scholarship committee or financial aid office for their consideration and the opportunity to apply. This sets a respectful tone and shows you appreciate their time.
2. Clearly state the purpose of your letter. Get to the point quickly and let them know why you’re writing. Are you requesting a reconsideration for a denied scholarship? Or are you asking for an increase in financial aid due to new circumstances? Be specific. Example: “I am writing to respectfully appeal the decision regarding my scholarship application due to new circumstances affecting my financial need.”
3. Explain your financial need. This is the heart of your appeal. Be honest and transparent about your financial situation and any changes or difficulties you’ve experienced. These could be a recent job loss, medical expenses, or unexpected family obligations. Use real numbers if possible. Example: “Since submitting my initial application, my family’s financial situation has changed significantly. My parent lost their job, which has drastically reduced our household income by 40%. This unexpected financial strain is making it a challenge to cover the cost of my education.”
4. Share supporting information. If there’s new or additional information that wasn’t included in your original application, mention it here. This could be:
   
   •Updated financial documents, such as tax returns or medical bills 
   •Recent academic achievements or awards 
   •Personal challenges that have impacted your financial situation. 
5. Be polite and professional. Your tone matters! Use polite language and avoid sounding demanding or overly emotional. Remember, the person reading your letter is likely juggling a lot of similar requests. A positive, professional tone can help your appeal stand out.
6. End with gratitude and next steps. Close your letter by thanking the committee again for their time and consideration. Let them know how they can reach you if they need more information and express your willingness to provide anything else they may ask for.

Example of a scholarship appeal letter

Here’s a template you can use to guide your own letter:

Subject Line: Scholarship Appeal Request

[Your Name]

[Your Address]

[City, State, ZIP Code]

[Your Email Address]

[Your Phone Number]

[Date]

Scholarship Committee

[Name of Institution]

[Institution Address]

[City, State, ZIP Code]

Dear [Scholarship Committee/Specific Contact Name],

I hope this message finds you well. I’m writing to appeal the decision regarding my scholarship application [or financial aid package] for the upcoming academic year.

Thank you again for the opportunity to apply and for all the support your team provides to students like me. After reviewing the [scholarship or financial aid decision], I’d like to share additional information about my current circumstances that may not have been clear in my initial application.

[Explain your financial need here. Be specific about your situation, such as changes in household income, medical expenses, or other significant challenges.]

Additionally, I’d like to share some recent achievements that I hope demonstrate my commitment to my education and future goals:

[List any new academic achievements, awards, or extracurricular involvement.]

I’ve attached [list of supporting documents] to provide further context and evidence. Please let me know if you need any additional information.

Thank you so much for taking the time to reconsider my application. I appreciate your understanding and the opportunity to share more about my situation. Please reach out to me at [your phone number] or [your email address] if you have any questions.

Sincerely,

[Your full name]

Stay positive and keep moving forward

Appealing a scholarship decision can feel daunting, but it’s important to remember that this is just one step in your journey. Even if your appeal doesn’t result in additional aid, there are countless other scholarship opportunities out there. Tools like Scholly Scholarships can help you find the right ones for your needs.

So, take a deep breath, follow our steps, and give your scholarship appeal letter your best shot. You’ve got this!