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February 23, 2012

Letters of Reference

Who To Ask

When deciding who to ask to write a letter of reference, be sure to ask someone who is familiar with your abilities and skills, holds you in high regard and, ideally, can include personal anecdotes in the recommendation letter.

Since no one person knows everything about you, it is a wise idea to choose several references who complement one another:

  • one reference could write about your academic strengths
  • another reference could focus on your extra-curricular and/or community involvement
  • a third reference could testify to your character

The letters combined would create a more complete picture of who you are as a person.

How To Ask

  • Contact the person via phone or, if it is appropriate, email.
  • Explain why you need the letter, and what it will mean to you and your academic career, or personal situation.
  • Indicate that you will provide the writer with a copy of the scholarship application materials.
  • Indicate that you will provide the letter writer with background information such as: academic transcripts, extracurricular activities, list of awards won, biographical information and so on.
  • Provide the person with a deadline but ensure that you allow ample time for the person to write the letter
  • Provide the person with your telephone number(s) and/or email address.
  • If the letter is to be sealed and/or mailed directly, indicate that you will provide a pre-addressed envelope and stamp for the writer’s use.

WORKSHEET M: STUDENT INFORMATION FOR REFERENCE 

** It is very important, as a common courtesy, to thank the person for writing a letter on your behalf. This should be expressed with a letter or a card, not just verbally or via email.

** It is also common courtesy to let your references know whether or not you received the scholarship.