Letters of Recommendation
Select the person who will write your letter of recommendation very carefully. References from faculty who have taught you in one large class often do not convey the kind of information a selection committee requires. It is preferable to have your letters written by faculty who know you and your work over the course of several semesters and in many different circumstances (ie. classroom, laboratory, research project, and on a personal level). References should provide the selection committee with an in-depth evaluation of you based on a close relationship. It is critical that letters of recommendation be specific and relevant to the purposes of the scholarship. These letters should cover your strengths from various angles and with concrete examples. Make certain that each major accomplishment that you claim on your application is validated by at least one of your recommenders.
Selection committees look for specific examples of accomplishment in which the candidate made a difference and had an impact. It helps your case to request recommendations well in advance of deadlines. Recommenders should be given several weeks’ lead time to write a thoughtful and detailed letter. Make an appointment with each of your recommenders to get advice and discuss plans. Provide a copy of the essay you have written for the scholarship to your recommender. If your referees can read and discuss it with you, their letters will be more forceful and pertinent. Students who are successful in these competitions receive very detailed references from faculty, supervisors, advisors, etc.
How to choose recommenders:
• Choose recommenders who know the things about you that you want to emphasize.
• For graduate study scholarships, choose faculty who know you both academically and personally.
Talking to potential recommenders:
• Make an appointment with each recommender you are considering.
• Describe the scholarship and requirements.
What recommenders need to do:
• Your recommenders should be able to speak about your work from personal experience.
• They should be able to give concrete examples of when you exhibited your strongest qualities.
Once you choose your recommenders:
• Provide them with a copy of the letter explaining the guidelines for writing a Prestigious Scholarship Letter of Recommendation.
• Provide them with your current resume, a copy of your personal statement and scholarship proposal.
• Give them 3-4 weeks to write the recommendation.
• Take responsibility for assuring that recommenders meet the appropriate deadlines.
• Write a thank you note and keep them informed of your progress.
