Scholarship Letters of Recommendation

Many scholarships require or allow students to submit letters of recommendation (LORs) as part of their application. LORs are a great way for students to stand out, offering judges deeper insight into their experiences, achievements, abilities, and values.

An ideal letter-writer will, of course, know the student well. Providing a copy of the student's resume helps remind the letter-writer of their experiences and accomplishments. However, a strong LOR isn’t just a repeat of the resume; it should also highlight the student's character, values, and skills.

Choosing the right person to ask for a LOR is crucial. Ideally, the letter-writer's background aligns with the scholarship's mission and values. For example, if a scholarship values students who are employed, a letter from the student's boss or supervisor would be ideal. If the scholarship is for a specific college major, a former teacher in that subject is a great choice.

It’s also important that each LOR is tailored to the specific scholarship it accompanies. Personalizing the letter makes a significant impact on judges. Because of this, and especially if the student plans to apply for more scholarships later, ask the letter-writer to keep a digital copy of the letter that they can easily update for each application.

A great letter of recommendation can be the difference-maker when it comes to earning scholarships. For more information on scholarship letters of recommendation, student resumes, and best practices for the entire scholarship process, check out the Scholarship GPS video-based course.

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