In this post, we will discuss the importance of getting a great letter of recommendation for scholarships and provide winning strategies to ensure they are top-notch.
Why Getting a Great Letter of Recommendation is Important.
All right, let’s talk about how to get letters of recommendation for scholarships and some winning strategies to ensure they are great. It’s no secret that scholarships often rely heavily on letters of recommendation. They can make or break your chances of winning. To increase your chances of getting that scholarship, you gotta make sure your letters of recommendation are top-notch.
Choosing the Right Individuals to Ask
First of all, let’s talk about who you should ask. I always recommend asking someone who knows you well and can speak to your qualifications. This could be a professor, a teacher, a mentor, a supervisor, a community leader, or even a coach. But, and this is important, make sure the person you’re asking can really vouch for you. It’s no use asking someone who can’t sing your praises.
Timing is key
Now, when you’re making the request, timing is everything. Don’t be a last-minute Larry, give the person enough time to write the letter. And when you ask, be specific and give them all the materials they need like a copy of your resume, information about the scholarship along with a weblink, and a copy of your personal statement or essay that you wrote for the scholarship. And don’t forget to show appreciation and follow-up with the person to make sure the request for a letter of recommendation was received. Here is a great link from We Are Teachers with example letters of recommendations that you can give the person writing one for you if they need it: 10 Strong Scholarship Recommendation Letter Examples
How to Make the Most of Your Letters of Recommendation
When it comes to the letters themselves, make sure the person writing it highlights your relevant experiences and achievements. They should also use specific examples to demonstrate your qualifications and emphasize your passion and commitment. Most scholarship applications require one or two letters of recommendation. Sometimes they require three and will specify who they must be from like one from a teacher, one from a coach, and one from a community member. The bottom line is to read the scholarship requirements beforehand so you know the right people to ask when it comes time.
College Prep Go Tip: The same letter of recommendation can be used for multiple scholarship applications. When requesting the letter of recommendation have the person writing one for you use “Dear Scholarship Committee” instead of “Dear ABC XZY Scholarship Committee.” You can see how by not specifying the scholarship organization in the letter allows you to use it for other scholarship application.
Getting great letters of recommendation is crucial if you want to increase your chances of getting a scholarship. Make sure you’re asking the right people, giving them enough time, and providing the right materials. And when it comes to the letters themselves, make sure they’re highlighting your relevant experience and achievements, using specific examples, and tailored to the scholarship. Remember, scholarships can be a game-changer when it comes to paying for college, so don’t skimp on getting great letters of recommendation.
Want to learn how to apply, organize, and manage your scholarship applications? Read WINNING TIPS FOR ORGANIZING AND APPLYING TO SCHOLARSHIPS to learn more.
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