Letters of Recommendation: Scholarship Requests

When requesting a letter of recommendation for a scholarship, ask early ― at least three weeks before you need the letter if possible.  When applying for a scholarship, always check the application deadline and review instructions for submitting letters of recommendation.

If you are requesting a recommendation from a faculty member, keep in mind that he or she can decline your request to write a letter of recommendation because of time constraints, or for other reasons, at the faculty member’s discretion. If a faculty member declines your request, the faculty member does not need to provide a reason. 

Include the following in your request to a faculty member:

• Your program, specialization, and the date you graduated or expect to graduate.
• The course title(s), section number, year, and term you were in the faculty member’s course(s).

Include the following in your request to all referees:

• The specific name of the scholarship you are applying for and a link to information about the scholarship. 
• Clearly ask the referee if he or she would agree to write a letter of recommendation for you.
• Provide key points that you would like the referee to highlight in the letter:
  • Relationship to the applicant (faculty, supervisor, colleague, etc.)
  • Interpersonal and relational skills and competencies
  • Academic and work experience
  • International experience and development work
• Logistical information such as:

• Address the letter to  ______________                               
• Submit the letter to ______________ or send an email to  ______________       
• The deadline for receiving the letter is  ______________                          
• My phone number is   ______________                          
• Please send a copy of the letter to me at xxx.xxx@waldenu.edu

• Attach a PDF of your curriculum vitae or resume or provide a link to your e-portfolio which includes these documents. Close with a “thank you.”

After sending the request:

• If you do not hear back within five days, send a gentle reminder email.
• After you receive the letter or notification that the letter was sent, immediately send a “thank you.”
• Keep the referee informed on the progress of your application and thank him or her again for their support.
• Review this sample letter of recommendation request.