Recommendation Letters

Many students wonder whether to ask a "big name" professor or a lesser-known professor who knows them better. The more detailed, personalized a letter is, the more likely it is to make a strong impression on a selection committee. Ask someone who knows you well and can write a substantial, convincing recommendation.

Advisors for student organizations, employers, research supervisors, or directors of volunteer programs are all options for letters for most National Fellowships. Check if the fellowship that interests you has guidelines about who can provide the recommendations or the specific content they are looking for.

Do not ask friends and/or family members to write letters of recommendation.

Be sure to specifically ask, “Do you feel you can write a strong recommendation on my behalf?

If someone does not think they can write strongly on your behalf, it is better that they tell you that up front so you can find another recommender.

Ideally give your recommenders 4 – 6 weeks to write and submit their recommendations.

If you find out about an opportunity at the last minute, you can always ask recommenders if they are able to help you. Be understanding of their busy schedules and make the process as easy on them as possible. Be aware they may say “no” so you may need alternative options.

Politely, professionally, and confidently.

• Don’t apologize for asking for a letter of recommendation. Be proud of yourself for pursuing this opportunity.
• Explain why you are specifically asking them to write you a letter, especially if they have made an impact on you academically, professionally, or personally.

Provide materials that would help the recommender write a strong letter. Such as:

• Resume or CV including extracurricular activities, research projects, awards, and a list of related courses you’ve taken
• A copy or a draft of your application materials
• A brief summary of your career and educational goals

Be clear about what you are asking them. Make sure recommenders have the following information:

• A brief description of the award. You can also share a link to the award website for them to reference for more information
• Why you are a strong candidate for the award
• The selection criteria for the award
• Formatting requirements (page/word limit, if it needs to be on letterhead, etc.)
• The deadline for submitting the recommendation
• How to submit the recommendation

Email when initially asking for letters of recommendation. This gives your writers the chance to process the request and answer on their own time. They may need time to review your materials before committing to writing your letter.

• In the email you can offer to set up a meeting to discuss the recommendation in more detail if they wish.
• Be sure to proofread your email request multiple times before sending.
• If you are meeting your potential recommender in person, bring two printed copies of the materials to the meeting (one copy for you and one copy for the recommender).

• Thank your recommenders in person, via email or through written thank you cards.
• Update them on your progress throughout the stages of the competition and inform them whether you are selected for the award or not. Should you need a recommendation in the future, this kind of follow-up communication will continue to foster a close, positive relationship with your recommenders.
• Stay connected with professors and advisors if you are considering graduate school, fellowships, or other opportunities a couple of years after you graduate. This will help you maintain strong relationships and get strong letters of recommendation in the future.