Deciding Who To Ask To Recommend You

It may seem tough to decide whom to approach about writing you a letter of recommendation. But when you think about the key elements of a good reference, it narrows down the playing field: You want someone vouching for you who is familiar with your work, holds you in high regard and, ideally, can include personal anecdotes in the recommendation letter. Not only that, they must be in a role that led them to be able to assess your skills and other attributes.

Since no one person knows everything about you, and many jobs or academic pursuits require two or three letters of recommendation, it's a good idea to choose several references that complement one another. For example, one could write about your academic strengths, another could focus on your on-the-job problem-solving skills and a third could testify to your character. The letters combined create a more complete picture of you as a person, scholar or employee.

One pitfall to avoid is assuming that the letters that pack the most punch come from people who hold lofty titles or top positions such as your company CEO. Sure, authority is important, but not if the tradeoff is a letter that clearly reveals that the writer does not have meaningful insight into you or your experience and goals. That being said, it's true that letters often have more impact when they are written by someone high on the food chain. So, if you have such a contact, don't hesitate to approach that person. In academic settings, professors have more clout than associate professors or lecturers, and professionally you'd be better off getting a letter from a manager or supervisor than a colleague.

Keep in mind that a recommendation letter will be most relevant if it comes from someone closely affiliated with the field you're pursuing. For example, if you're applying to an MBA program, approach one of your business professors, not your history teacher. If you want a job in sales, ask a leader in your company's sales department, not purchasing. Depending on the position, you might not stop at asking supervisors and co-workers to write you a reference letter; you could also ask for the perspective of a subordinate.

Try to ask for reference letters from people who you know are articulate and comfortable with the written word. It's also good (especially in the case of employment and academic letters) if the person has written letters of recommendation previously.

Make sure that the person you ask is comfortable writing a letter for you. For example, it would not be a great idea to ask someone with whom you'd had a professional or personal run-in, or a personality conflict, or, worse, fired you. If you're uncertain how the person would portray you in a recommendation letter, you could ask outright, but be sensitive about putting him or her in an awkward position.

How To Ask Someone For A Reference Letter

You may feel awkward asking someone to write you a letter of recommendation. Perhaps you're especially modest, or you hate to impose. Indeed, writing a reference letter is a favor of time and expertise. It takes at least an hour or two to write a good letter of recommendation. Particularly in the case of high school teachers and counselors, the letters will often be written on "their own time." However, recommendation letters are a part of academic and professional life, and requests are rarely a surprise.

Contact the person via phone or (if it seems appropriate) email. Explain why you need the letter, and what it will mean to you and your academic or professional career, or personal situation. You could make it easier by providing the writer with a copy of (for example) the scholarship application materials, fellowship announcement, job advertisement or adoption agency profile. Don't ever ask anyone to lie for you.

Try not to approach someone at the last minute to ask for a letter. This is especially true in the case of academic letters of recommendation, because deadlines are often known well in advance and because professors, teachers and others in academic leadership roles are asked to write many such letters each term. Giving the writer a month or two, or at least a couple of weeks, shows respect for the person's time and expertise. This may not be possible if, for example, you're applying for a job or coming up on a court date or other deadline.

Give the person a date by when you need the letter. Consider setting the "deadline" a few days or even weeks earlier than the real date, in case you need to ask for revisions (due to fact or spelling errors, for example) or in case the person forgets. It's not uncommon to have to remind someone that you need the letter. For this reason, it may be smart to get an "extra" reference-four letters if you need three-in case someone doesn't come through, or a letter doesn't send the message you had hoped. Don't forget to make sure the person has your phone number(s) and email address handy in case he or she needs to reach you about the letter.

If the person stumbles around and hesitates when asked if he or she can write a recommendation letter on your behalf, it could be due to reservations about endorsing you, or it could be something as simple as the person being very busy. If it's the latter, you can make it easier by providing the letter writer with background information such as: academic transcripts, job history (a resume), list of awards won, biographical information and so on. If the letter is for an award or scholarship, give the writer a copy of the description and guidelines or a link to a web site. High school students can include a note with their request mentioning what they perceive as their best personal and academic qualities, as well as accomplishments and extra-curricular activities and a statement of goals and ambitions. College students can refresh the writer's memory about projects worked on and essays written, as well as career aspirations and other relevant points. The more information the writer has about you, the better the letter can be.

While most experts agree it's preferable that the letter truly be written by the person who signs it, it's not uncommon for the person being recommended to give the writer some talking points, or even write the entire letter and get it approved and signed.

But if you perceive (or can confirm) that the person would not write a glowing recommendation, or would "damn you with faint praise," it's best to say thanks anyway and walk away from the situation. This is especially true in cases where the letter is sent directly to the decision makers without you first getting a chance to review it. This is often the case in high school settings, where many consider letters of recommendation "confidential documents" sealed or sent straight to a college without the student getting a chance to read it first. You might even have to sign a waiver allowing this. Some consider it inappropriate for students or parents to even ask to read the letter, so find out what is customary before approaching a teacher or counselor for a letter. If the letter is to be sealed and/or mailed directly, provide a pre-addressed envelope and stamp for the writer's use.

Some might feel asking someone to write a letter of recommendation is an imposition, or, at least, an inconvenience. But it's likely that at some time early in that person's career, someone took the time and effort to write him or her a reference letter. If someone truly thinks highly of you, he or she will be happy to "put it in writing."

It is very important, as professional courtesy and common courtesy, to thank the person for writing a letter on your behalf. It needs to be clear that you appreciate their efforts. Thank him or her very soon in a letter or card, not just verbally or via email. It's also nice to let your references know how it ended up-whether you got the scholarship, job, etc.

Letter of recommendation overview

Three types of recommendation letters Letters of recommendation differ based on who writes them and for what purpose. There are three basic types. Type of letter From Usual purpose Employment recommendation Employer Getting a job Academic recommendation Teacher, professor Getting into college or graduate school, receiving a scholarship or fellowship Character reference Friend, relative Getting a job, winning an award, child adoption, court hearing, etc. These distinctions are not carved in stone. Professors often write letters aimed at helping students secure employment. Employers often write letters to help current or former employees gain admission to academic programs.

Employment recommendations Whether you are laid off or leave your job on your own accord a letter of recommendation from your employer can be a valuable tool for finding a new job. Such a letter is often preferable to listing your supervisor and his or her phone number on your resume. A reference letter Provides an organized analysis of your attributes and abilities Is a "fresh when written" appraisal not clouded by time Creates an unchanging assessment Saves future employers the effort of interviewing your former supervisor Saves your former supervisor the time and trouble of being interviewed Importantly, obtaining a written letter also gives you insight into how your former employer perceives you-- on balance either favorably or unfavorably. With this information in hand you can spotlight a good reference or downplay a poor one.

Of course, if you must list a former employer as a reference and worry that he or she might contradict your glowing letter when called on the phone, we suggest finding out before you end up apologizing for an awkward disparity.

Academic recommendations Letters of recommendation are required for acceptance to the vast majority of both undergraduate and graduate degree programs. Often applicants must provide three or more letters. While requirements differ by institution, program and concentration, generally speaking successful academic recommendations should Provide testimony to your aptitude, curiosity and industriousness Demonstrate your maturity and seriousness of purpose Speak to your leadership ability Paint you as "well rounded" Compliment your character Include other pertinent information about you-- things not readily apparent from admission test scores or transcripts

Character references Character reference letters are a special category of recommendation because they are usually written by friends, neighbors or relatives. These letters meet a variety of non-employment and non-academic related needs. Everything from gaining memberships and winning awards to child custody and adoptions. Character reference letters can also be useful in job seeking.

How to Write a Recommendation Letter for a Scholarship

If you teach a large number of students, you may not have the time or opportunity to know each student individually, which can make writing personal letters of recommendation a daunting task. By focusing on a few key areas in each letter, you can write informative letters that will help your students increase their chances of winning college scholarships.

1. Step 1

   Explain how you know the student. "Emily Hargrove has been a student in my chemistry classes for the last two years," or "I have coached Dylan Milligan in basketball at both the junior varsity and varsity level."

2. Step 2

   Describe your background and qualifications. Explain why you are qualified to give a recommendation for this student. "I have taught chemistry at the high school level for 20 years and have taught more than 2,000 students."

3. Step 3

   Select a few positive qualities that the student possesses and write about them. "Emily received straight A's in chemistry for the past two years. She is an industrious and curious student with a strong aptitude for the sciences."

4. Step 4

   Include examples of times the student went beyond what was expected. "Dylan stayed after practice to help other players with their homework and organized the school's first basketball team study group."

5. Step 5

   Describe the student's rank in your class if the student did particularly well. "Emily was the only student in the class to receive a perfect score on every exam. She won the coveted Bruce Willis High School Chemistry Award and has been nominated for a state award."

6. Step 6

   Discuss other aspects of the student's school experience. Ask the office for a transcript or the student's records. Discuss how the student's other qualifications make him a good choice for the scholarship. "Despite Dylan's busy basketball schedule, he managed to maintain a 3.99 grade point average and had a lead role in the school play."

7. Step 7

   Finish the letter with a strong closing paragraph emphasizing the student's strengths. "Emily will be a wonderful addition to your student body. With her strong academic background and leadership abilities, she is well-prepared for the challenges of college life."

8. Step 8

   Proofread the letter and save it in your computer. The student will most likely be applying to more than one college and you will be able to use the same letter with a different address and salutation. Make a copy for the student's records

taken from http://www.ehow.com/how_4579108_write-recommendation-letter-scholarship.html

How to Write a Scholarship Recommendation Letter

When a student applies for a scholarship, recommendations from faculty often factor into the committee's decision of whether or not to award the scholarship. If you are asked to write a scholarship recommendation letter for a student, there are a few guidelines to keep in mind. Follow these tips for writing a scholarship recommendation letter.

1. Step 1

   Review the scholarship committee's requirements. These include how the letter should be structured, whether it should be sent to the committee or directly to the student and whether you need to answer any specific questions about the student.

2. Step 2

   Ask the student for an updated transcript and some samples of work he has done for your class. Although you may have some of this information on file, it's helpful to let the student choose which materials he provides. This will clue you in to what he thinks is his best work.

3. Step 3

   Address specific situations in which the student has excelled in your letter. While you may mention grades, try to point out how the student's intellect, passion for the subject and drive to learn have motivated her.

4. Step 4

   Use examples from the student's work to help illustrate why she deserves the scholarship. Many scholarship recommendation letters are too vague, and being detailed and showing the committee the student's own work will help your student gain an edge over other applicants.

5. Step 5

   Talk about the student's character. Many scholarship programs have a more personal component, so unlike job recommendation or other recommendation letters you may write, those needed for a scholarship should mention what kind of person the student is.

6. Step 6

   Include information about the student's potential in his chosen field of study. It's helpful to sit down with the student and determine his overall career goals, which you can talk about in the letter.

taken from http://www.ehow.com/how_2292682_write-scholarship-recommendation-letter.html

Sample Scholarship Recommendation Letter

Recommendation letters can generally be classified into three types: Academic Reference letter, Character reference letter and Employment Reference letter.

One of the pre-requisites for writing a Recommendation letter or a reference letter is that you should know the person well enough to recommend him or her.

At the outset of the letter, it is important to establish the writer’s credibility in order to make the letter more effective.

It is best to write such letters on a business or company letter-head and also to include designation (in case of Employment and Academic reference letters) of the writer. Scholarshiprecommendation letter is one such example.

While writing these letters, it is important to remember to clearly show for how long and how well the writer has known the individual in question and also in what capacity. For instance, an Employeerecommendation letter would be more effective when given by the immediate boss or supervisor.

The closing paragraphs should preferably reiterate the recommendation of the individual.

The body of the letter should include specific instances which throw more light on the personal traits of the individual, which would be beneficial. SampleCharacter Reference letter would be one such example.

The length can vary, but generally should be about a page, as the person reading the letter may not have too much time to go into minute details. It would also be a good idea to give a contact number or e-mail address for any further clarifications.

The letter should be personalized as it has a better chance of it being more effective. For example, a Student Recommendation letter can highlight the good qualities of the student which may not be reflected in the test scores or grade sheets.

here is the example

From:

Jean Fernandez,

Department of English,

University of Madras,

Madras.

To:

The Scholarship Selection Committee,

John Milton Scholarship Foundation,

London.

29^th September, ‘08.

I hereby wish to recommend (Mr. Richard Brown) for the (John Milton Scholarship Award). I have known (Mr. Richard Brown) for the past (4 years) that he has been a student in our Department.

(Mr. Richard Brown) has been a very sincere and diligent student whose hard-work is a constant source of inspiration for the other students. He has always excelled in his academics and stands among the top 2% in his class. He has won many prizes in both academic and extra-curricular activities.

His achievements stand out all the more because of the financial problems that he has to deal with on a day to day basis. He works part-time in the Department Library and also takes on part-time teaching jobs in the community to enable him pay his college fees.

However, the financial problems have never interfered with his enthusiasm and motivation to finish his Graduate and Post Graduate Studies. His sincerity and dedication have earned him many top honors in the University.

I sincerely recommend (Mr. Richard Brown) for the (John Milton Scholarship Award).

Sincerely,

Signature

(Jean Fernandez)

taken from http://www.sampleletters.in/sample-scholarship-recommendation-letter.html/

Scholarship Essay Writing Tips

Most scholarship applications require students to submit an essay. Typically, this
essay is autobiographical in nature. Scholarship committees that have a variety
of similar applicants look to the essay to differentiate students. Therefore, a
succinct, coherent, and interesting essay may be what distinguishes you over
another candidate. The following information is essential in writing a successful
scholarship essay.

Consider the Topic

• If the essay is asking you to address what motivated you to declare your
major, your future career goals, or information that will help reviewers
make a well-informed decision, DO NOT submit an essay you wrote for
your English class simply because it fits the word limit requirement.
• Think of the essay as a scholarship interview. The major difference is that
you do not have the opportunity to convince the committee to give you the
scholarship in person, you must convince them with your essay.

Prepare your Facts

• Think about each question the topic is asking and make an outline to fit
the topic.
• Make a list of your achievements/accomplishments (both academic and
other), community involvement, leadership positions or other roles you
have served in organizations, etc.
• Make a list of your personal characteristics including your strengths,
weaknesses, and any obstacles you have overcome or are currently
confronting.
• Determine 3-5 key pieces of information you feel the committee should
know about you and have concrete examples to support and demonstrate
your claim.

Writing the Essay

• Begin with a strong introduction. The committee will have a lot of
applications to review and not much time to read them. Be sure your
introduction draws in the reader and compels them to learn as much as
they can about you in the subsequent paragraphs.
• Be personal. Make sure the committee can assess what type of person
you are, what motivates you, how have you made your mark on the world
thus far, etc.
• Be specific. Cite concrete examples. DO NOT simply tell the committee
you are a leader; give an example of how you have been able to
demonstrate leadership.
• Turn negatives into positives. If you have an obvious weakness such as
limited extracurricular activities, show the committee that you have been
particularly involved with your family or within the classes you have taken
depending on your personal situation.
• Adhere to standard syntax, grammar, and writing rules. Make sure your
body paragraphs relate to your introduction and that your conclusion
summarizes the points you have made in your essay.

Review your Essay

• Proofread, proofread, and proofread! One spelling error can disqualify
your application.
• Have as many people as possible read your essay and edit it for clarity,
conciseness, grammar, and spelling.
• Did you answer the essay topic question?
• Does the essay convey who you are and your motivation for receiving a
scholarship beyond the fact that you need the money?
• Is the essay interesting? Does it come alive when you read it?
• Did you provide examples of your skills and abilities rather than broad
statements and claims?
• Does the essay meet the word limit requirement?

Tips for Scholarship Essays

Many scholarship applications now require an essay of some sort. This is for a number of reasons, most importantly, the selection committee wants to get to know the applicant. It’s far easier for them to award you the scholarship if they feel like they know you. Selection committees also want to make sure that you can competently express your ideas in writing. Even if you’re at the top of your class and volunteer in every organization in town, you won’t get the top prize if you can’t put your thoughts on paper.

Writing scholarship essays for study abroad doesn’t have to be much different than writing other
scholarship essays. You’ll want to follow the same steps and stick to the same goals, but your focus may be a bit different. These pages contain suggestions to help you get started but the best Be sure to refer to other resources in your quest for the winning essay.

Read Directions. The type of essay can vary widely, from a personal statement to a project
proposal, but selection committees are looking for some of the same things. Be sure to read the
essay directions carefully, as some committees might outline in detail what they are looking for in the essay. Additionally, if the directions need clarification, contact the administrator directly.

Be Unique. Many students will have similar backgrounds as you which means sticking out in a
crowd is paramount, and the essay requirement is the perfect opportunity to do so. It’s your
chance to show the scholarship selection committee how great you really are, tell them a unique
story of personal perseverance, or describe your limitless potential and unmatched
determination.

Tell Your Story. Everyone has a story to tell. Your essay can take many forms, from a personal narrative of your past accomplishments to a careful analysis of a quote, favorite author, public policy or important global trend. Whichever form you choose (or the directions require) your goal is to show that you are more thoughtful, creative and dedicated than anyone else. As long as your story answers the essay question the sky’s the limit.

Be Memorable. You can do this in two great ways; by being original and by being descriptive.
Not only will this perk interest in your story, but it will help make your essay memorable. If you
have a unique personal background, tell that. But remember, just because you have a special
story or diverse family history doesn’t mean you’re scholarship worthy. When writing your story
be as descriptive and detailed as you can. Don’t just tell the selection committee that you are
interested in alleviating poverty; tell them that you’re so dedicated you’ve started a fund drive for a local charity.

Show Initiative. The best way to do this is to contact the scholarship funder or administrator
directly. Find out the goals and purpose of the sponsor organization. This will help you keep
your essay on topic and relevant. Then, figure out a way to relate your interests to the
organization’s goals. Many times these are the most creative essays. Maybe your desire to be an
international aid worker includes upgrading access to technology in rural areas. Perhaps your
proposed career in international business will put you in close contact with environmental issues
in urban areas. You can always find a way to relate your interests to the essay’s topic.

Be Yourself. Finally, be sure your essay accurately depicts who you are and what you care about. Don’t write what you think the selection committee wants to hear.

Here are some steps to help you get started
1) Contact the funder directly.
The best source of information about the scholarship is the funding organization or person. Contacting the funder gets your questions answer fast and whether it’s the Federal Government or a local nonprofit, it shows the them that you’re serious about writing an effective essay. The best advice and the most up-to-date information may be just a phone call away.

2) Read directions carefully.
Don’t go over word or page limits. Ask yourself some basic questions. Who will be reading my essay? What’s the mission of the sponsor organization? What is the question asking? How many pages do I have to get my message across?

3) Brainstorm.
What topic(s) am I most interested in writing about? What stories or examples from my life best relate to the topic? What academic classes keep me interested? What are my hobbies? What would I do if I had limitless time and means?

4) Write.
Put pen to paper or open up your favorite word processor. Whatever you chose as your topic can be your starting point. Write an outline or just start typing. Don’t worry about grammar or punctuation at this stage, your goal is to get the juices flowing and develop the infrastructure of your essay.

5) Rewrite.
Take a break. Walk away from your writing for a few hours or a day and come back with a fresh set of eyes. You’ll be surprised at how much improvement you’ll see the second time around. Repeat this step until you feel comfortable with the final draft.

6) Proofread.
Do not skip this step. It is the most important. Read it out loud. If your essay contains run-on
sentences, has lapses in logic, or is rife with bad punctuation you lose credibility instantly. The good news is that you can catch those mistakes by proofreading. You can even feel more comfortable if you have a friend, TA, or professional colleague read it for errors.

track your scholarship requests

BEWARE OF SCHOLARSHIP SCAMS

“ Y ou can’t find this information
anywhere else.”

Yes, you can. They don’t know
anything that you can’t learn
on your own.

“ Y ou’re a finalist!” or “You’ve won!”

a contest you never entered.
The caller offers to hold your
award funds in return for your
credit card or bank account
number. Hang up!

“ First come, first served.”

This may apply to some
legitimate forms of financial
aid, but not to scholarships.
However, legitimate scholarship
sponsors do impose deadlines.

“ Millions of dollars go unclaimed.”

False! Every legitimate
scholarship sponsor
predetermines award
amounts and works very
hard to select the most
qualified recipients.

“ I t’s guaranteed!”

What’s usually guaranteed
is search “results”—not
scholarship money.”

“ We’ll do the work for you, for a fee.”

The fee may be nominal and the
offer may sound legitimate. Be
sure to research the company
before paying anyone to find
scholarships for you.

5 tips forScholarship Success

1. Don’t assume. Fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) every year you need aid. Many students don’t realize they may qualify for federal aid such as grants, scholarships, work-study or low-cost student loans. Learn more at www.FAFSA.gov.
2. Be prepared. Consider starting a “my future” file for important college planning documents like report cards, ACT and/or SAT scores, letters of recommendation and documentation of community service projects and extracurricular activities. These documents will come in handy when completing scholarship applications and tracking your achievements.
3. Do your research. Set up an appointment with your school counselor to talk about your scholarship options or contact your local financial aid office for free resources.
4. Do the “write” thing. Many scholarships require an essay, but don’t let that discourage you. Preparing scholarship essays can often be a fun experience because it gives you the opportunity to write about interesting topics like your future goals or a favorite service project. Also, statistically speaking, scholarships that require essays have fewer applicants, which means you have a greater chance of winning the prize.
5. Don’t miss the boat. Nothing’s worse than writing a great scholarship essay only to realize you’ve missed the deadline. Apply for as many scholarships as you can and keep track of the requirements for each one so you don’t miss out on free money by forgetting to include your transcript or submitting your application after the deadline.
   

Scholarship Search Tips:

· There are many scholarship opportunities available, so never limit yourself to applying for just
one. Research as many funding sources as you can, and learn which ones you may qualify for,
then apply promptly.
· Find at least two search engines with which you’re comfortable--use both to search for
scholarship opportunities. Two good examples include www.fastweb.com and
www.scholarships.com. For international students, be sure to search
www.internationalscholarships.com. Remember to check the schools that you are applying to.
Many schools offer scholarships to students that seek them.
· Use your parents/family members! Many companies offer scholarships solely to the
children/relatives of employees.
· If receiving lots of e-mail from a search engine bothers you, set up a scholarship-only email
account. This will keep all of your scholarship information in one place, your regular inbox won’t
be overflowing, and when you use your scholarship e-mail, you are more focused on searching
for scholarship information.
· Organize the information in a way that makes sense to you. For example, when using Fastweb,
click on the “deadline” heading to sort the scholarships according to deadline.
· Look where you’re going! If you are headed for a specific field, look at the leaders in that field or
industry, check their websites for scholarship opportunities. For example, a pre-nursing or premed
student should check out websites for drug manufacturers or companies that do medical
research. Most companies’ websites are searchable. Try searching “scholarships.” If that
doesn’t yield results, try “foundation” or “philanthropy.”
· You can also check the websites of major companies for scholarship opportunities.
· Look at local organizations/groups such as churches and recreational centers.

Transcript/Academic Record Tips:

· If you have an off-semester or even a course grade that is an aberration, explain the
situation/circumstance/reason. Leaving it out there for the evaluator to guess is not in your best
interest.
· Make sure your transcript is properly sealed, with school stamp/signature across the seal.
· If your school’s grading system is not based on a standard scale, include a description of how
your school determines grades.

Cover Letter/Resume/CV Tips:

· Do not include a cover letter, resume, or CV if the application does not request it.
· Show you have worked--either with substantial responsibilities in the home or in summer/school
year jobs. This may not be an important qualification for a lot of scholarships, but
work/employment responsibilities build character as much as many other activities.
· Provide evidence that you have made something good happen. That’s leadership. If you have
made a difference--in whatever way--share it.
· Show evidence that you believe in something apart from the certainty you hope to make a million
dollars. What are you doing, or what do you hope to do, that will make the world a slightly
better place?
· Never think that any accomplishment or activity is too insignificant to be mentioned. If you're
proud of it, passionate about it, or think there is something even slightly interesting or unique
about it, include it! Now is not the time to sell yourself short!
· Spell out abbreviations that may not be generally recognized.
· Include part time work, list of awards, achievements, etc.

Recommendation Letter Tips:

· Ask the recommender to fill out the form if one is provided. Some scholarships have the need to
find evidence of some really specific personality trait that was set by the donor whose generosity
made the scholarship available. Eloquent letters of reference that do not touch on that one
specific trait make it hard for the evaluator to find evidence of the required trait.
· Good examples of people to ask for references include past or present teachers/professors, past
or present employers, religious leaders, community leaders, and organization leaders. Generally,
family and friends do not make the best references. The person you ask should know you
personally and be able to attest to specific qualifications outlined in the scholarship requirements,
i.e., financial need, GPA, community service, leadership roles, etc. They should be able to write
about your character, commitment, experiences and successes.
· The letter should be tailored to the particular scholarship, not generic.
· Provide the recommender with a resume or list of your activities and accomplishments.
· Always give the recommender adequate time to prepare your letter or form.

Personal Statement/Essay Tips:

· The committee wants to know three things: why are you right for the scholarship, why it is right
for you, and why it is important to you.
· Your personal statement/essay is viewed as the equivalent of a face-to-face interview.
· Avoid long, drawn out, essay responses. While a background story is sometimes necessary, try
to get to the point but don’t be so brief that the importance is lost. Remember the committee
members reading your essay have many more applications to read.
· If the essay prompt calls for an explanation and you provide an article, still explain what you
have done and do not simply put “See attached article.”
· If you have a story that reflects overcoming obstacles, tell it. If not, express your appreciation
for the benefits of a solid home life; it’s still the best gift parents can give.
· If you make a case based on financial need, you need to do so carefully and convincingly; that is,
NOT simply say, “I really need this scholarship.”
· For scholarships that have a financial need component, tell your story if there is something that is
out of the ordinary. If you don’t know if your story is unusual but you wonder, ask the high
school counselor or any financial aid person, including the scholarship administrator. If
something impacted your EFC (Expected Family Contribution) that was a one time situation, most
will consider the difference.
· Make connections between areas of study, career goals, interests, and personal philosophies.
· You should be certain that all requested topics are covered in your personal statement/essay.
Use specific examples whenever possible.
· Part of your proofreading should include attention to the tone of what you have written. Do you
sound like a student that the donor’s organization would be proud to sponsor?
· Remember to BE YOURSELF. Do not try to give a response that you think will be liked by the
selection committee. All selection committees are looking to decipher your own, UNIQUE
personality, not one crafted to fit what you think the judges are looking for. An honest reply will
usually get you far.
· Save your essays on the computer or a disk. It will save frustration when websites have errors
or it could save you time when you come across the essay question for a different scholarship.
You can pull up the old essay you wrote, edit or expand on ideas, and submit your revised copy.
That will save you time that you could use to apply for additional scholarships.
· Really make the most of essay questions. For example, if asked, "Of all the activities you are
involved in, which one means the most to you?" Keep in mind that this does not necessarily have
to be the activity you spend the most time doing. In one case, when writing this kind of essay, a
student was torn between describing involvement in the school's theater troupe or a role on the
school's honor council. Though more hours were spent rehearsing for and performing in plays,
the student felt like the work as an honor prefect had done more to impact the life of the school
community and also to change the way that integrity was defined and priorities were viewed.
Therefore, the student was able to show more about personality and values by writing about
honor council.
· If you start to feel like you’re bragging about yourself too much, don’t worry about it. In a sense,
that’s what you are trying to do. You’re hoping to impress the scholarship committee with your
accomplishments.
· Don’t just describe what you have accomplished, but also share how you felt when making those
achievements.

General Application Tips:

· Have multiple copies of the application in case you make a mistake and must start over.
· Make a checklist of what you need to have for the application.
· Make a copy of your ENTIRE application and keep it in a folder. That way, if your submission is
lost, you can easily and quickly send another copy.
· Unless otherwise stated, please bind all the materials for the application together. It makes it
easier to keep up with loose sheets.
· Put your name on all of the materials; photo, every page of the essay, recommendations, etc. If
part of your application is misplaced, there will be no confusion as to what belongs to which
applicant.
· If you have multiple names, i.e. two last names, please be consistent with which name you go
by. Do not put “James Avery” when you go by “James Avery-Johnson.” It makes clarification
easier.
· If the application asks for a GPA or other specific information, fill in the information, do not write
"see transcript."
· If you want to be taken seriously, consider getting a generic email address rather than a cutesy
one like "jellybean07" or "pimpstress" or "lopezlover." Email is used as a form of contact with
applicants. Consider setting up a separate email account for college information and scholarship
information. Make sure that your email address is clearly legible. If filling out by hand, put a
slash through zeros so they do not look like letters.
· If a required attachment will be sent from another source, such as a high school or college
transcript or financial aid information, it is up to you to make sure the information has been sent.
· No substitutions! If an item is requested, particularly for a need-based program, provide it. If
you don’t understand the request, ask. In competitive programs, the missing or substituted item
could tank an otherwise strong application.
· Read your application packet and ask yourself, “Would I give an award to this person if all I knew
about them is the information presented in these documents?”
· Don’t let a parent fill out the application.
· Your application package represents the entire and only picture of you the selection committees
have. Always type (or neatly print using black ink) your application. Your application must
appear neat and professional.
· Proofread your application. Pay particular attention to any spaces you have left blank. If the
answer is zero, write in 0 rather than leaving a blank spot. If the question does not apply to you,
do not write in N/A. You risk eliminating yourself for the selection process. Simply answer the
question to the best of your knowledge. Blank spaces can deem your application incomplete and
ineligible!
· Have at least one other person review your application package, and supporting documents,
including your personal statement or essay. Find the most qualified person to proofread for you.
· Start early! Rushing to the post office to get a piece of mail postmarked on the day of a deadline
is not really that much fun--it's stressful! Leave plenty of time to check, double-check, and triplecheck
to make sure all directions have been followed and that you are turning in the best
application possible. Scrambling leads to mistakes. Use a calendar to keep yourself on top of
things. Remember that there is nothing wrong with turning in an application before the deadline!
· If a photo is requested, use a suitable color head shot, not your prom photo or photo sitting on
the beach and wearing inappropriate clothing.
· Be sure to follow guidelines. If the application asks for a self-addressed stamped postcard to
receive confirmation, include that. Don’t include an envelope; follow the guidelines.
· If you are notified that you have received a scholarship always send a thank you note to the
donor. If appropriate, continue to keep the donor informed of your progress throughout the
year.

Pre-Application Tips:

· Start to build a network of professionals and educators who are willing to advise you, write
recommendations, proofread your applications and essays, and guide you through the application
process.
· Be ready with the necessary information and experience to apply for need and/or merit based
funding.
· Each scholarship fund has its own specific guidelines. Before applying for a scholarship, be certain
that you meet, or will meet, all the necessary qualifications such as academic standing, specified
financial situation, and personal or professional background and explain how you meet them.

General Scholarship Tips:

· Remember, due to limited funding, not all applicants receive scholarships. The process is
competitive, and you should be careful and thorough when filling out your application to give
yourself the best possible advantage.
· If you were not selected in the past years, re-evaluate your qualifications and application
package. Be certain that you make academic progress in the next term, earn the highest GPA
possible, and make any necessary adjustments in your application process, then reapply next
year.
· Do not assume that because you have received a scholarship previously, that you will
automatically receive another award. Some students make the error of assuming that they will
not have to be as careful filling out their application package and writing their personal statement
when applying the second or even third time around. Be aware that there are always new
students competing for awards. You must present a high quality package every time you apply
for a scholarship.
· Talk to scholarship recipients to get their advice on the application process, scholarship search
process, etc.