How to get a winning scholarship recommendation letter

5 key takeaways about scholarship recommendations

• Choose someone who knows you well and can speak to your strengths (like a teacher, counselor, coach, or mentor).
• Approach your recommender with respect and consideration.
• Ask early to give them plenty of time to write the letter.
• Provide any information they’ll need about you and the scholarship program.
• Be sure to follow up with a thank you note or email.

Here’s how to get a winning scholarship recommendation letter

Applying for scholarships can feel overwhelming, but having a great letter of recommendation can make a huge difference in showing scholarship committees who you are and why you deserve to win. Whether you're aiming for academic, athletic, or leadership scholarships, it’s super important to choose a recommender who can highlight your strengths in a way that’s both enthusiastic and real. So, how do you pick the right person, and how do you approach them? Let’s walk through the steps!

1. Choose who you’ll ask for a scholarship recommendation

Think about people who know you and all your awesome qualities well enough to write a solid recommendation. You don’t need to ask someone with an impressive title—just be sure your recommender has real insights into your abilities, character, and potential.

These people are usually the best options:

• Teachers: A teacher you’ve had recently, especially one who’s taught you in a key subject relevant to the scholarship, is usually a top choice.
• Counselors: Counselors are often strong recommenders, as they’ll have a broad view of your academic progress, extracurriculars, and character.
• Coaches: Are you a student athlete? Your coach can speak to your athletic skills, teamwork, leadership, and dedication.
• Mentors: If you’ve had a job, internship, or volunteer position, a mentor or supervisor can share great insights into your skills and commitment.

2. Make your recommendation request

When asking for a recommendation letter, timing and approach are everything. Here’s how to do it:

1. Ask early. Don’t wait until the last minute! Be considerate and give your recommender plenty of time to craft a thoughtful letter without feeling rushed. We recommend asking 4-6 weeks before the scholarship deadline.
2. Approach them respectfully. Whether you’re asking in person or via email, be polite and professional. Let them know why you value their recommendation and how it would support your scholarship application.
3. Be clear about expectations. Share the details of the scholarship, what’s required in the letter, and why you think they’re the best person to write it. Mention any specific achievements or experiences they could highlight that relate to the scholarship’s goals.

Here’s a template you can use to ask for a recommendation:

Sample scholarship recommendation request

Subject: Scholarship Recommendation Request

Dear [Recommender’s name],

I hope you’re well! I’m applying for the [Scholarship Name] and was wondering if you’d be willing to write a recommendation letter for me.

I’ve always appreciated your guidance, especially during [mention a class, project, or experience], and believe your insights into my [skills/character/achievements] could strengthen my application. The scholarship committee is particularly interested in [mention any specific qualities or achievements], and I think you could provide a valuable perspective on these areas.

If you’re able to help, I’d be happy to provide any additional information you need, such as my resume or a summary of my recent activities. The deadline for submission is [date], and the letter can be sent directly to [details on how/where to submit if needed].

Thank you so much for considering this request—I really appreciate it and would be grateful for your support.

Warm regards,

[Your full name]

[Your contact information]

3. Provide everything your recommender needs

Once your recommender agrees to write the letter, it’s up to you to make their job as easy as possible. Make sure you provide them with the materials below so they can write a detailed and personalized letter:

• Your resume: Include academic achievements, extracurricular activities, leadership roles, and work experience.
• Scholarship details: Share the scholarship description, its goals, and what they’re looking for in applicants.
• Submission instructions: Let them know how to submit the letter, whether it’s online or by mail, and include any relevant links or forms.
• Your personal statement: If you’ve written a personal statement for the scholarship, share it with your recommender to help guide their writing.

4. Check in on their progress

It’s totally okay to reach out and ask how the letter is coming along, especially if the deadline is getting closer. Be polite and brief like, “I just wanted to check in and see if you need any additional information for the recommendation letter. Thanks again for your support!”

5. Follow up with a thank-you note

After your recommender finishes and submits the letter (woo-hoo!) it’s important to show your appreciation. A simple thank-you note or email goes a long way in expressing your gratitude. Be specific about how much their time and support mean to you.

Here’s a template you can use to write a thank you:

Sample thank-you note

Subject: Thank You for Your Recommendation

Dear [Recommender’s name]

I wanted to take a moment to sincerely thank you for writing a letter of recommendation for my [Scholarship name] application. I appreciate your support so much and the time you took to help with this process. Your recommendation will undoubtedly strengthen my application and I’m grateful. I’ll keep you updated on what happens with the scholarship. Thanks again for believing in me.

Best regards,

[Your name]

Asking for a recommendation letter is a major step in many scholarship applications. So be sure to choose your recommender wisely, make the request early so they’ll have plenty of time to craft a great letter, and provide all the information they need. Don’t forget to thank them afterwards for their time and support!

Remember, finding the right scholarships to apply for can be as important as the application process itself. Use the free tools like Scholly Scholarships to discover scholarships that match your strengths and interests.