Letters of Recommendation

Scholarship organizations, admissions committees, and hiring panels often request a letter of recommendation before making a decision. This third-person perspective often makes a difference in whether or not you receive the scholarship, are admitted into the four-year university, or are selected for the job.

A letter of recommendation highlights your unique strengths and experiences. It is written on your behalf by respected professional that knows you well. This person might be a former supervisor, teacher, coach, volunteer coordinator, academic advisor, or religious official.

More often than not, a person will write you a letter of recommendation if you ask. However, if you want it to be a good letter of recommendation, follow a few key steps:

- Ask an individual who knows about you, your work ethic, and your performance.
- Give the individual at least two weeks to write the letter.
- Provide your resume or personal statement to the individual.
- Ask politely and respectfully.
- Clarify the purpose of the letter: scholarship, admissions, employment, or general portfolio.

You may collect letters of recommendation at any time. If you have good rapport with a respected professional or you feel you have completed exemplary work under his/her guidance, then ask for a general letter of recommendation. Thereby, create a portfolio of recommendations that you can later share with scholarship organizations, admissions committees, and hiring panels as appropriate.