Scholarship Application Letter of Recommendation Request Form

Why a Letter of Recommendation Matters

Scholarship committees rely on more than grades and test scores to evaluate candidates. A wellwritten letter of recommendation offers insight into a students character, work ethic, leadership potential, and community involvement. It provides a personal perspective that statistics cannot capture, helping reviewers understand how the applicant might contribute to the academic community and make the most of the award.

Choosing the Right Referee

• Academic mentors: Professors, teachers, or academic advisors who have observed the applicants performance in the classroom.
• Professional supervisors: Managers or mentors from internships, parttime jobs, or volunteer positions.
• Community leaders: Coaches, clergy, or organization heads who can speak to the students extracurricular involvement and civic responsibility.

Select a referee who knows you well, can speak to specific achievements, and is willing to invest time in crafting a thoughtful letter.

How to Request a Letter

A courteous and organized request improves the likelihood of receiving a strong, timely recommendation. Follow these steps:

1. Give plenty of notice: Reach out at least 34 weeks before the scholarship deadline.
2. Provide context: Explain the scholarships purpose, criteria, and why you are applying.
3. Supply supporting material: Attach your rsum, transcript, personal statement draft, and any specific points you would like highlighted.
4. Set a clear deadline: Request the letter be submitted at least one week before the official deadline to allow for any unexpected delays.
5. Express gratitude: Thank the referee for their time both in the request and after the letter is submitted.

Letter of Recommendation Request Form

Use the form below to formally request a recommendation. Fill out all fields, attach any supporting documents, and submit it to your chosen referee via email or your institutions preferred sharing platform.

After Submitting the Form

Once the request is sent, follow up with a brief email confirming receipt and reiterating the deadline. If you have not heard back within a week, a polite reminder is appropriate. Remember to keep the referee informed of any changes to the scholarship timeline or requirements.

Sample Email Template

Subject: Request for Letter of Recommendation  [Your Name]Dear [Referees Title] [Last Name],I hope you are doing well. I am applying for the [Scholarship Name] and would be honored if you could write a letter of recommendation on my behalf.The scholarship aims to support students who have demonstrated leadership in [field/area]. I believe my experience in [briefly mention relevant activities] aligns well with the programs goals, and I think your perspective on my work in [course/project] would be especially valuable.The deadline for the recommendation is [Date]. I have attached my rsum, unofficial transcript, a draft of my personal statement, and a brief list of points I hope could be highlighted. Please let me know if you need any additional information.Thank you very much for considering my request. I truly appreciate your time and support.Sincerely,[Your Full Name][Phone Number][Email Address]