letter_of_recommendationSometimes it seems as though you will never get through the pile of paperwork needed to get into college: the application, essays, financial statements and applications for grants, loans and scholarships. While these are tedious and boring – the one thing that most students actually find intimidating is the prospect of asking for recommendation letters!  Unfortunately – everyone tends to put these off to the last minute and that’s a really bad idea, since that puts both you and the person writing the letter under unnecessary pressure. You want the letter to be good – and that takes some time and effort on the part of the person writing it…..so here’s a few tips to help you get the recommendation letter that will do the job for you!

1) Give lots of notice to the ‘letter writers’! Your teachers and coaches are busy people – solet them know at least 6 weeks in advance that you need a recommendation letter. 

2) Put the due date and the points you would like mentioned in writing and hand deliver it! 

3) Follow up with a brief note in their mailboxes 2 weeks later, then 1 week after that visit them in person again. Thank them for their efforts on your behalf – and then let them know that you will be coming by in a few days to pick up the letter.

4) Drop in a few days letter and ask if you can pick up the letter and if not – get a firm date that they will have it for you. 

5) Always ask for more letters than you actually need – because you never really know what someone will say or how many you might actually need! You might think you had a great relationship with your art teacher – but it may have been as good as you think from the other side. You don’t want any bad surprises – so always have a few spares! Plus – you might find something else to apply for that requires a few more letters – it’s better to be prepared!

6) Best Recommendation letters: Obviously, you should ask the instructors that you had in classes related to the scholarship or grant you are seeking, if it is a topical funding program. But, you can also ask your clergy, directors or coordinators of any organizations you were involved in, your boss at your part-time job or internship or any respected member of the local community. Outside activities are often as important as your graded classes as scholarship and grant committees usually seek a well-rounded recipient.

7) Remind your instructors to use school letterhead. If you have any letters from outside of school – a business internship, clergy etc – ask them to use printed letterhead with their company or church letterhead and contact details, if possible

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Filed under: Scholarships For College

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