Consider These 7 Tips to Get a Good Recommendation Letter For Your Next Scholarship Application
A
letter of recommendation is simply a written testimonial from a person (such
as: a mentor, manager, lecturer) who knows your professional or academic work
to attest to your skills, character, achievement ,qualifications for a specific
job, educational program, or scholarship
A
recommendation letter is one of the key requirements when applying for
scholarships, internships, or academic programs.
A strong recommendation can boost your chances
by highlighting your strengths, achievements, and potential through the eyes of
someone credible.
Here are some practical tips to secure a good
recommendation letter.
1. Seek a Recommendation from Someone
Who Knows You Well
Scholarship
committee is interested in the attestation of someone who knows you do well.
Instead of asking a public figure who does know you,ask someone who can
genuinely speak about your character, skills, and achievements.
It
could be a lecturer , a mentor, a supervisor, or even a community leader. What
matters most is that they know you enough to give specific examples rather than
vague or generic praise .
2. Ask Well in Advance of the Deadline
Don’t
wait until the last minute to request a letter. It is important to ask early.
This shows professionalism and gives your reccomender enough time to craft a
thoughtful detailed recommendation.
Respect your
recommender’s time. Give them at least two to four weeks before the deadline.
3. Prepare a Resume or Brag Sheet
The
best way to accelerate the process of getting a thoughtful recommendation that
increases your chances is by preparing a resume or brag sheet.
This
will make it easy for your recommender to highlight your strengths.
Your
resume should have list of your
achievements and “brag sheet” should outlines your academic performance,
extracurricular activities, community involvement, and career goals.
This ensures
they have all the information they need to write a compelling letter tailored
to you.
4. Follow Up Before the Due Date
It’s
perfectly fine to send a polite reminder as the deadline approaches. People can be very busy, and sometimes your
request may slip their mind.
A
gentle follow-up helps ensure your recommendation is submitted on time without
putting unnecessary pressure on your recommender.
5. Ask Someone Else if You Sense
Hesitation
Not
everyone feels comfortable writing recommendation letters, and that’s okay.
That does not mean you are underqualified.
If
you notice hesitation or receive a vague response, it’s better to ask someone
else. A weak or generic recommendation can hurt your application more than it
helps.
Always aim for quality over
convenience.
6. Provide Clear Instructions and
Deadlines
Don’t
assume your recommender knows the exact requirements. Clearly explain the
scholarship or program, the qualities they are looking for, and when and how to
submit the letter.
This
removes confusion and helps them align their letter with the scholarship
committee’s expectations.
7. Show Gratitude and Keep Them
Updated
Always
thank your recommender, whether in writing or in person. A simple “thank you”
goes a long way in showing appreciation.
Make
sure to always update them if you win the scholarship (or even if you don’t).
It shows respect and maintains a good relationship for future opportunities.
End Note
A
good recommendation letter can make your scholarship application stand out, but
it doesn’t happen by chance.
By
choosing the right person, asking early, preparing
supporting materials, following up, and being appreciative, you set yourself up
for success.
Remember,
your recommender is helping you open doors,make it as easy and rewarding for
them as possible.
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