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Tips Beasiswa
Earning Your Scholarship Letter of Reccommendation
Roxana Hadad
Your scholarship application is complete. All that's
left is your letter of recommendation. Your work is
done, right?
Actually, no. Even though you don't write the letter,
you're responsible for making sure it gets written. And
there's a lot you can do to ensure it's the best letter
possible.
Who Should Recommend You?
The best recommendations come from people who have
worked closely with you and who understand the award
you're applying for. Teachers and professors are
excellent sources, but also consider previous employers,
coaches, clergy members and community leaders.
Pick someone who can address the award's special
criteria or the sponsoring organization's particular
interests. For example, the director of the homeless
shelter you volunteer at would be a great reference for
an award sponsored by a community service group.
Don't ask a family member for a recommendation. Their
praise won't have the credibility to impress the
admissions staff.
When to Ask for a Recommendation Letter
In most cases, you'll ask for recommendations as you
need them; for example, when you apply for college or
scholarships. But you should also plan ahead. Start by
making a list of potential letter-writers, including
names, addresses, e-mail and phone numbers.
Next, compile a file of letters before you need them,
especially once you've started college. Ask for letters
right after you've finished a course with a professor
who likes your work. If you wait until you need the
letter (maybe two or three years down the line), you
risk losing it because the professor doesn't remember
you.
Some colleges can help by maintaining a dossier, or
official letter file. When requested, letters from your
dossier are sent directly and (if you waive your right
to see them) can carry more weight with the judges
because they know the recommender was able to express
his or her true opinion.
Make It Easy
The people writing your recommendations are doing
you a favor, so make it easy for them by being polite
and organized. Here's how:
Provide ample time for the letter to be written. Give at
least three weeks advance notice.
Make a formal request. Schedule an appointment to
discuss the recommendation fully.
Supply your recommender with as much information as
possible, including:
Your correct contact information (your full name as it
appears on the application, address, email and phone
number).
Materials/information needed for the application,
including two copies of any forms the recommender is to
fill out (for a "rough draft" and a "final draft"); the
full title and description of the award; the correct
name, title and mailing address of the recipient; a copy
of your completed scholarship application/essay;
complete instructions on how the letters should be
handled; and correct deadline information.
Information about your achievements such as your
transcripts, your resume, and reminders of your past
work with the recommender (e.g. a description of
coursework, a copy of an essay or class project, etc.).
If you're concerned that your recommender has forgotten
your letter, gracefully remind them by asking if they
need more information.
Once your letter's been sent, be sure to send a
thank-you note to your recommender.
It's a lot to keep in mind, but all this work should
produce a great letter of recommendation. Which means
you can ... whew! ... breathe easier.
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