Letters of Recommendation
Strong letters of recommendation are a critical and essential component for fellowship, scholarship, and graduate school applications. The best letters come from mentors, professors, or supervisors who know you well and can speak directly to your strengths, accomplishments, and potential.
Building Relationships Early
- Develop connections with faculty, research mentors, and supervisors throughout your college career.
- Attend office hours, participate in class, and seek research or leadership opportunities.
- Remember: Building relationships that lead to strong recommendations is up to the student.
Choosing a Recommender
Ask someone who can:
- Speak specifically about your skills, achievements, and character.
- Provide examples of your academic research, leadership, or professional abilities.
- Understand the goals and selection criteria of the opportunity you are pursuing.
- Address experiences relevant to the award (e.g., research mentors for research-focused scholarships).
Requesting a Letter
- Request letters of recommendation well in advance of the application deadline whenever possible.
- Share information about the scholarship, fellowship, or graduate program.
- Provide any materials requested by the sponsoring organization, such as:
- Resume or CV
- Personal statement
- Unofficial transcript
- Program description and selection criteria
- Submission instructions and deadlines
Additional Information
You should ask the writer for a letter of recommendation three to four weeks before the deadline, if possible. Two weeks before the deadline should be considered the minimum advance notice. Here is some advice on whom to ask and how to:
Think Through the Application Process First
Before you approach anyone for a letter of reference, identify the number of people that you will need. Use the application material to help you choose the best letter writers. What aspects of your background do you want each letter of recommendation to comment on? Seek a mix of letter writers and identify their roles for them. Collectively, your letters should present a balanced picture of you. It is helpful to the letter writer if you tell them you hope they will comment on you from a certain angle in their letter.
Follow Up with Your Letter Writers
Do not hesitate to stay in touch with letter writers occasionally in the weeks approaching the deadline for the letter. Ask the writer if they need any more documents or have questions about a two weeks from the deadline, and gently remind the letter writer about a week from the deadline of the details for letter submission and deadline. This can be exceptionally helpful if they are writing multiple letters for you that have different deadlines and submission requirements.
Thank your letter writers and keep them informed on your progress. Regardless of whether you receive the fellowship or not, initiating and maintaining follow-up contact with your references is both courteous and professionally smart.