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.