Recommendations for Scholarships and Fellowships

Who to ask, how to ask, and what to expect

1. Pay close attention to the specific recommendation letter requirements of awards --not only how many but from whom.
2. Whether it be a professor, advisor, or employer, ask people who are familiar with you and your work. "Big names" are of little use if they can only write a generic letter about you.
3. For those competitions that ask for more than two letters, it is a good idea to select people whose letters together demonstrate a diverse range of your attributes. For instance, one letter could comment on your research passion and capabilities, another could emphasize your different leadership skills, and another focus on your academics and how you demonstrate scholarship in your field.
4. Give them several months notice if possible (one month minimum) for the prestigious awards. If for a smaller award and it's due in less than a month, ask them IMMMEDIATELY, as soon as you decide you will pursue it. Waiting to ask, even if they have one for you on file, is inconsiderate.
5. Ask them up front if they could write you a good letter. If they say no, or respond in a way that makes you feel uncertain about the strength of their support letter, gracefully accept that (and be grateful for their honesty) and ask somebody else.
6. If they agree to write it, prepare a packet of concise info about the award and why you are a "perfect" candidate. This should include an updated resume, an unofficial transcript, a concise description of the award, and precisely why you believe you are an excellent candidate. You may have to schedule an appointment with them to discuss this. Any draft of your application essays would be extremely helpful when you have those ready. In the packet also include a stamped, addressed envelope(s) if they are required to send it directly to the organization. Also, if they are writing letters for more than one application, tell them exactly when it is due, and when you will pick it up if that's the case.
7. If the person does not yet have a recommendation for you on file, schedule an appointment with them to discuss the application, your goals, everything that will help them write specifically about you. If it has been awhile since they had contact with you, it is helpful to them if you could provide an example of a significant event, learning experience, or something that had an impact on you during that period.
8. If your time of application is a year or two in the future then keep in mind your relationships with faculty (or employers). When you get to know and like particular faculty, share the fact that you might apply for these awards and perhaps they could write you a recommendation letter. You want faculty that can write specific things about you, so they need to be paying attention to you and your work.
9. Do not assume because a person is a faculty member or a distinguished person in their field that they know how to write a good recommendation letter. The FSO office has a manual for writing recommendation letters that contains sample letters of recommendation for the prestigious awards.You could simply include the appropriate pages from it in the packet you give them so if they would have a perfect guide if they needed it.
10. Make sure you follow up and remind them about the recommendation letters as the deadline approaches.
11. Be kind enough to let them know the results, and thank them for their support.