Receiving a scholarship can help ease the financial burden of paying for college. However, for many students, the amount awarded may not be enough to fully cover costs. This guide provides tips and examples for writing a compelling email requesting additional scholarship funds from your college or university.
Research Scholarship Options
Before asking for more money, research what other scholarship opportunities may be available through your school. Financial aid offices award scholarships based on a variety of factors like academic merit, financial need, talent in athletics or the arts, and more.
Take time to thoroughly search the school’s scholarship database and talk to an advisor to uncover any potential matches for your background and abilities that you may not have applied to yet.
Applying for additional, unused scholarships demonstrates initiative and may reduce the need to request extra funding from awards already received.
Gather Supporting Documentation
Strong documentation is key to making a solid case. Compile materials like transcripts, letters of recommendation, proof of involvement in extracurricular activities, or anything else highlighting your accomplishments and potential to succeed.
For need-based requests, gather financial records such as tax returns, income statements, receipts for education-related expenses, and estimates for upcoming costs.
Organize documents neatly to include as attachments. Having evidence on hand establishes credibility and gives decision-makers tangible factors to evaluate.
Address the Decision-Maker
Find out who specifically oversees scholarship awards, such as the director of financial aid or head of the department for your major. Address the email directly to that person by name to personalize the request.
Addressing a generic role or department shows lack of effort in identifying the right contact. Look up the person online or call their office to confirm how they like to be addressed to avoid mistakes in salutations or titles.
Express Gratitude for Current Support
Begin by thanking the reader for your current scholarship and restating how much it is appreciated. Expressing sincere gratitude establishes goodwill from the start. For example:
“Dear [Name],
I am writing to express my deepest thanks for awarding me the [Scholarship Name] for this academic year. I am extremely grateful for the generous [Dollar Amount] in financial support, as it has allowed me to focus fully on my studies.”
Outline Financial Need
Explain your family’s financial situation and the costs involved in your education. Specify rising tuition and other direct educational expenses like books, supplies and equipment. Providing transparent numbers shows the true magnitude of the situation and need. For instance:
“However, with tuition increasing by 5% for the coming year and additional costs of required textbooks and supplies estimated at $2,000, the scholarship alone no longer fully covers my college expenses. As a first-generation student from a low-income family, this gap poses a significant hardship.”
Highlight Achievements and Commitment
Emphasize how you have maintained high academic standards through challenges. Share recent accomplishments, leadership roles, work experience, and future career goals that demonstrate your dedication and potential value to the university. Convey how earning your degree remains a top priority:
“Despite these difficulties, I have worked hard to maintain a 3.8 GPA as a [Major] major. This semester, I was elected President of the [Club/ Organization], and I also inter at [Company] on weekends. After graduation, I plan to pursue a career in [Field] to give back to my community.”
Request Specific Amount and Purpose
Provide a precise dollar figure being requested and indicate it will be put toward tuition, fees and other educational costs. Avoid simply asking for “more money” without context. For example:
“For these reasons, I am respectfully requesting an additional [$1500] in scholarship support for the upcoming academic year. The funds would be applied entirely to covering the remaining balance on my tuition and fees. This supplemental assistance would allow me to focus fully on my studies without working excessive hours or taking on additional loans.”
Express Appreciation and Closing
Close by thanking the reader again for their time and consideration. Express optimism that with their help, your educational goals can be achieved:
“Thank you for taking the time to consider my request. I cannot express how much this additional aid would mean to me and to achieving my dream of earning a college degree. Please let me know if you need any other information. I appreciate your support.”
Offer to Follow Up
Finally, offer to provide any missing details in a timely manner. This shows willingness to cooperate that may improve chances of a positive response:
“I am happy to answer any other questions or supply further documentation. Please feel free to contact me via phone or email. I look forward to hearing back from you soon.”
Proofread Carefully
Before sending, proofread the letter multiple times to catch errors and ensure it flows logically from start to finish in a clear, organized manner. Have others review it as well to receive feedback on how to strengthen the message and correct any issues. Careful proofing leaves the best possible final impression.
Send With Appropriate Tone
Express appreciation, need and commitment respectfully without an overly desperate tone. Approach as a professional request rather than a plea. Politely follow up if no response within a reasonable timeframe. With a well-crafted email making a compelling yet dignified case, your chances of receiving additional support increase significantly.
Conclusion
With college costs consistently rising, requesting more scholarship funds can help bridge financial gaps for many dedicated students. Taking the time to thoughtfully draft an email that highlights your background, achievements and need in a clear, organized manner earns due consideration from decision-makers.
Following the guidelines shared provides a solid framework to craft a request that stands the best chance of success. Wishing you the very best with your education and future career endeavors.
While scholarship awards are not guaranteed, presenting your situation professionally establishes you as a worthwhile investment. With care and effort in communication, today’s students can access more opportunities to achieve their educational dreams.