Contact potential references now to see if they are willing to write letters, or be contacted by phone when needed. Think of teachers, counselors/advisors, coaches, employers/supervisors, community leaders, etc. who know you well.

• There are two types of recommendation letters: confidential and open. A confidential recommendation is often sent by the reference directly to the scholarship committee, or may be in a sealed envelope with the reference’s signature across the seal. Be sure to submit the type of recommendation letter that is requested in the application.
• Make copies of all open recommendation letters for your portfolio.
• A good recommendation letter appears professional (typed, grammatically correct, correct spelling).
• Ask your reference to comment on – and provide specific examples of – characteristics most relevant to the scholarship; for example, motivation, leadership, integrity, judgment, responsibility, honesty, diligence, common sense, potential in career field, academic ability, and other qualities that make you a successful student, future contributor to society, and a good investment as a scholarship recipient.
• Provide your reference with information on your activities, accomplishments, life experiences, goals, and, of course, relevant information about the scholarship criteria. This could be in the form of a resume, personal statement/essay, or activities chart.
• Tell references what you hope they might include in the letter. Be specific.
• It is beneficial (often required) to have recommendations from instructors, especially teachers who have known you over time.
• Sometimes the application specifies exactly who should write a recommendation letter.
• Make the request at least 2 weeks in advance of when you need the letter, and collect letters by the required deadlines.
• Avoid using general recommendation letters, or letters written for another scholarship opportunity. Request that your reference write a specific letter to the organization.
• If references must mail letters, supply them with an addressed, stamped envelope.
• Send your reference a thank you note and let them know the outcome of your application.