What is a Scholarship Recommendation Letter?

A recommendation letter (also called a letter of recommendation or reference letter) is a formal document written by someone who can attest to your qualifications, character, and potential for success in an academic program. For scholarships, it serves as third-party validation of your achievements and capabilities.

Importance of Recommendation Letters

Why They Matter:

  • Credibility Boost: Provides external validation of your achievements
  • Character Insight: Reveals qualities beyond grades and test scores
  • Competitive Edge: Strong letters can differentiate you from other applicants
  • Holistic View: Shows how others perceive your abilities and potential
  • Success Prediction: Helps committees gauge your future performance

Scholarship Committees Look For:

  • Authenticity and specific examples
  • Writer’s qualifications and relationship to you
  • Consistency with your application narrative
  • Evidence of characteristics aligned with scholarship values

Who to Ask for Recommendations

Ideal Recommenders (in order of preference):

  1. Academic Professors (most recent and relevant)
  2. Research Supervisors
  3. Employers/Supervisors (for professional experience)
  4. Academic Advisors
  5. Community Leaders (for community service scholarships)
  6. Club/Organization Advisors

Who to Avoid:

  • Family members
  • Friends
  • Personal acquaintances without professional context
  • People who don’t know you well
  • Anyone who can’t provide specific examples

What Makes a Strong Recommendation Letter

Essential Components:

  1. Strong Introduction
    • Writer’s position and relationship to you
    • Duration and context of relationship
    • Clear statement of recommendation
  2. Academic Abilities
    • Intellectual curiosity and capabilities
    • Specific coursework or projects
    • Research skills and contributions
    • Critical thinking abilities
  3. Personal Qualities
    • Leadership and initiative
    • Perseverance and work ethic
    • Collaboration and teamwork
    • Communication skills
    • Character and integrity
  4. Specific Examples
    • Concrete achievements and contributions
    • Anecdotes demonstrating qualities
    • Quantifiable results when possible
  5. Conclusion
    • Summary of key strengths
    • Confident endorsement
    • Contact information for follow-up

How to Request a Recommendation Letter

Step-by-Step Process:

  1. Choose the Right People
    • Select recommenders who know you well
    • Consider their writing ability and reliability
    • Ensure they support your goals
  2. Ask in Person (When Possible)
    • Schedule a meeting to discuss your request
    • Explain why you’re asking them specifically
    • Provide context about the scholarship
  3. Provide Necessary Materials
    • Your resume/CV
    • Personal statement or essay drafts
    • Scholarship information and requirements
    • Specific points you’d like emphasized
    • Deadline and submission instructions
  4. Follow Up Professionally
    • Send polite reminders as deadlines approach
    • Provide all technical submission details
    • Express gratitude regardless of outcome

Download Sample Recommendation Letter Template

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Student Mistakes:

  • Asking at the last minute
  • Choosing recommenders based on title rather than relationship
  • Failing to provide sufficient information
  • Not following up appropriately
  • Not waiving right to view letters (when applicable)

Recommender Mistakes:

  • Using generic, template language
  • Focusing too much on grades rather than qualities
  • Including irrelevant personal information
  • Writing overly brief letters
  • Missing submission deadlines

Download Email Template for Requesting Recommendations

Timeline for Recommendation Requests

Ideal Timeline:

  • 8-10 weeks before deadline: Identify potential recommenders
  • 6-8 weeks before: Make initial requests
  • 4-6 weeks before: Provide all materials
  • 2-3 weeks before: Send polite reminder
  • 1 week before: Confirm submission
  • After submission: Send thank you notes

Following Up and Thanking Recommenders

After Submission:

  • Send personalized thank you notes
  • Update them on the outcome
  • Maintain professional relationships
  • Offer to return the favor in future

Download Thank You Note Template

Pro Tips for Strong Recommendations

For Students:

  1. Build relationships early with potential recommenders
  2. Provide a “brag sheet” highlighting your achievements
  3. Share your goals and how the scholarship fits
  4. Be specific about what you’d like emphasized
  5. Follow instructions for submission carefully

For Recommenders:

  1. Use specific examples rather than general praise
  2. Focus on 2-3 key strengths in depth
  3. Compare favorably to other students (when appropriate)
  4. Address scholarship criteria directly
  5. Be honest and authentic

Confidentiality and Waivers

Important Considerations:

  • Waive your right to view letters when possible (increases credibility)
  • Understand FERPA rights regarding educational records
  • Respect recommender’s time and provide ample notice
  • Keep copies for your records (when allowed)

Final Checklist

Before Requesting:

  • Identified appropriate recommenders
  • Confirmed their availability
  • Prepared all necessary materials
  • Understand submission process

After Requesting:

  • Provided complete information packet
  • Sent polite reminders
  • Confirmed submission
  • Sent thank you notes

Strong recommendation letters can significantly strengthen your scholarship application by providing external validation of your achievements and potential. Choose your recommenders wisely, provide them with the tools to write effectively, and maintain these important professional relationships throughout your academic career.