How to Get Strong Letters of Recommendation for Scholarships.
Applying for scholarships is a major step toward funding your education, and a strong letter of recommendation can make your application shine. These letters offer scholarship committees insight into your character, academic potential, leadership, and impact beyond your grades and test scores. But how do you make sure your recommendation letters are strong and truly support your application? In this post, we’ll walk you through actionable steps to secure compelling letters that set you apart, How to Write a Winning Scholarship Essay(1) Understand What Scholarship Committees Look For
Before you ask for a letter, it’s important to know what scholarship committees value:
-
Academic achievement
-
Leadership and initiative
-
Community service and extracurricular involvement
-
Personal character and growth
Strong recommendation letters highlight these qualities through specific examples. Your goal is to help your recommender write about these areas confidently and authentically.
(2) Choose the Right Recommenders
Not all recommenders are created equal. Choose people who know you well and can speak to your strengths with enthusiasm and detail.
Good choices include:
-
Teachers who’ve taught you in core subjects and saw your growth.
-
Club advisors or coaches who witnessed your leadership.
-
Supervisors from internships, jobs, or volunteer work.
-
Mentors or counselors who understand your background and goals.
Example: If you’re applying for a STEM scholarship, a science or math teacher who saw you tackle a difficult project or lead a team will provide a compelling narrative.
Tip: Avoid choosing someone just because they have a fancy title—choose someone who can speak meaningfully about you.
(3) Ask Early (and Politely)
Give your recommenders plenty of notice—at least 3-4 weeks before the deadline. This shows respect for their time and allows them to write a thoughtful letter.
How to ask:
-
In person or via a well-crafted email.
-
Be polite and express why you value their recommendation.
-
Mention the scholarship and your goals.
Sample email:
Subject: Letter of Recommendation Request for [Scholarship Name]
Dear [Mr./Ms./Dr. Last Name],
I hope you’re doing well. I’m applying for the [Scholarship Name], which supports students pursuing [your field/goal], and I would be honored if you could write a letter of recommendation on my behalf.
I really appreciated your guidance in [Class/Project/Activity], and I believe you can speak to my strengths in [relevant areas]. The deadline is [Date], and I’d be happy to provide more information to help with the letter.
Thank you so much for considering it!
Best regards,
[Your Full Name]
(4) Provide Helpful Materials
Once someone agrees to write your letter, make it easy for them to write a strong one.
Provide:
-
A resume or brag sheet.
-
A brief summary of the scholarship and what it's looking for.
-
A list of your goals, achievements, and experiences relevant to the scholarship.
-
Any specific points you'd like them to mention (like a leadership role or academic improvement).
Tip: A printed or emailed "Recommendation Packet" can go a long way.
5. Follow Up and Stay Organized
Keep track of:
-
Who’s writing which letters.
-
Each scholarship’s deadline and submission method.
-
Whether the recommender has submitted the letter.
Friendly follow-up:
If the deadline is approaching and the letter hasn’t been submitted, it’s okay to send a gentle reminder a week before.
Sample reminder:
Hi [Mr./Ms./Dr. Last Name],
Just a quick reminder that the [Scholarship Name] deadline is next [day]. Please let me know if you need anything else from me. Thanks again for your support!
6. Show Your Gratitude
After your letters are submitted, always say thank you—a quick note or a handwritten card is appreciated and helps maintain a good relationship.
Bonus tip: Let them know the outcome of your application. If you win the scholarship, they’ll love to hear it!
7. Keep Building Relationships
Even if you don’t need a letter right away, it pays to build strong relationships with teachers, mentors, and supervisors. Participate in class, ask questions, and show interest in learning. This makes it easier (and more natural) to ask for a recommendation later.
Conclusion: Take Action Today
Strong recommendation letters don’t happen by accident—they come from thoughtful planning, strong relationships, and good communication. Start early, choose wisely, and provide your recommenders with everything they need to write a glowing letter. Stay organized, follow up respectfully, and don’t forget to express your appreciation.