The  

scholarship

  is calling for you. Although other applicants may faintly hear, "Win me... win me," in the far distance, the sound is crystal clear to you because you're confident it's meant for you. After all, you've filled out every part of the application accurately, requested your official transcript in advance, and you've written the required 500-word essay... quite well, in fact. Now, it's time to send off your scholarship packet.

Wait! You forgot an equally important part of the completion process -- the recommendation letter!

"Recommendation letters allow the scholarship committee to see you through someone else's eyes," says Chris Vuturo, author of The Scholarship Advisor (The Princeton Review, 2001). They also help to validate what you've written in your app' and essay. But, you don't want any ol' recommendation letter, do you? You want the best!

To claim the prize with a stellar letter, follow these four steps:

Step I - Select references that are relevant to the scholarship and you. "Try to choose references that have spent a considerable amount of time with you, who can speak as to why you should be considered for a particular scholarship," suggests Vuturo.

In other words, if you're applying for a journalism scholarship, don't ask your science teacher to hook you up. Sure, he may be your favorite instructor and can brag on and on about your straight A average, but his letter won't hold as much weight as the one written by your creative writing teacher or school newspaper adviser. Remember, a teacher who has seen you in action and can boast about your skills as it relates to the scholarship is key!

Step II - Don't wait 'til the last minute to spring a recommendation request. To do so is rude and inconsiderate. It sends a message that your letter isn't important, and that "a rush job will do."

Take Vuturo's advice: "Make sure you ask for your recommendation early in the year. Teachers, coaches, and advisers tend to get busier as the year goes on. Give them enough time to do a good job."

Step III - Share your background 4-1-1. Although your reference may be familiar with your grades, athletic ability, and school popularity, you should let him know about the other strengths and qualities you possess -- those beyond the classroom.

"Provide your reference with as much material as possible regarding your activities, awards, community service, and career goals," explains Vuturo. Also, he adds, "you can make things a lot easier for your reference by writing a paragraph explaining what the scholarship is for and what you plan to discuss in your essay so that he can touch upon those points in his letter."

Step IV - Save your reference a few coins. Typically, scholarship committees require references to mail in their recommendations directly to the administrative office. Do your reference a favor and provide him with stamped and addressed envelopes. It will show that you're strictly business and you believe in covering all your bases -- including postage. It also says you want to do everything in your power to ease your reference's load.

Commit to these recommendations, so your recommendation letters can impress the powers that be!

Sound Off! Post Your Comments