A recommendation letter can be the secret ingredient that elevates your scholarship application from good to outstanding. While your grades, essays, and achievements speak for themselves, a glowing recommendation adds a personal touch, offering a powerful endorsement of your character, academic potential, and future aspirations
But not all recommendation letters carry the same weight. A generic letter filled with vague praise can easily blend into the pile. What you need is a letter that paints a vivid picture of who you are, your strengths, your dedication, and why you’re the ideal candidate for the scholarship. So, how do you secure such a letter?
1. Choose the Right Recommender
Your choice of recommender is crucial. For a scholarship application, you want someone who knows you well enough to speak about your academic abilities, personal qualities, and potential for success.
Teachers or Professors: Ideally, select those who taught you recently, especially in subjects related to your intended field of study.
Academic Advisors: They can highlight your academic journey, growth, and future goals.
Supervisors (for research or extracurriculars): If you’ve worked on a research project, volunteered, or participated in leadership roles, a mentor who witnessed your dedication can provide a unique perspective.
Avoid picking someone just because they have a fancy title — a heartfelt letter from a teacher who knows you well is far more impactful than a lukewarm one from a high-ranking official who barely remembers you.
2. Ask Early
Timing is everything. Great recommendation letters take time to write, so don’t wait until the last minute. Ask at least 3 to 4 weeks in advance of the deadline.
If it’s a prestigious or competitive scholarship, give even more notice — a month or two is ideal. By asking early, you allow your recommender enough time to write a thoughtful, personalised letter without feeling rushed.
3. Make a Clear and Respectful Request
When you approach someone for a recommendation, be polite yet direct. Explain why you value their opinion and why you believe they would be the right person to speak on your behalf.
Example:
“I’m applying for the [insert scholarship name], which supports students pursuing [insert field of study or goal]. I truly value your mentorship and the guidance you provided during [mention a specific class, project, or experience]. Would you be willing to write me a strong recommendation letter highlighting my academic abilities and dedication?”
Framing your request like this shows respect and reminds the person why they are uniquely suited to recommend you.
4. Provide the Right Information
Once they agree, don’t leave them guessing about what to write. Equip them with the tools they need to craft a strong letter by sharing the following:
a.Scholarship details: Explain the scholarship’s purpose, values, and what kind of candidate they are looking for.
Your academic achievements: Remind them of your grades, relevant coursework, and special projects you excelled in.
b. Leadership roles or extracurriculars: Mention clubs, research, volunteering, or any initiative you’ve taken part in.
c. Future goals: Let them know how the scholarship aligns with your academic and career aspirations.
d. Submission instructions: Clearly outline the deadline, format, and where to send the letter (email, online portal, or sealed envelope).
By providing this context, you make it easier for your recommender to write a letter that is not only personal but also tailored to the scholarship’s criteria.
5. Highlight the Key Qualities You Want Emphasised
Don’t assume your recommender knows exactly what the scholarship committee wants to hear. Politely guide them by pointing out the qualities the scholarship values and how you embody those traits. The goal is not to write the letter for them but to steer them toward the most relevant parts of your story.
6. Provide Concrete Examples for a Stronger Letter
A recommendation letter packed with specific examples is far more compelling than one full of general praise. Encourage your recommender to use vivid anecdotes and quantifiable achievements.
Instead of a generic statement like:
“Oluwolw is hardworking and dedicated.”
A stronger, more memorable version might be:
“During our biology research project, Temitope worked tirelessly to design and execute an experiment on plant growth rates, ultimately presenting her findings at the school’s science fair and earning first place. Her commitment to scientific inquiry and her attention to detail reflect both her academic excellence and her passion for learning.”
Concrete examples help the scholarship committee picture you as a real, dynamic individual, not just words on a page.
7. Build Strong Academic Relationships Early
Here’s the truth, securing a great recommendation letter starts long before you ask for one. The strongest letters come from genuine relationships, so invest in building connections with your teachers, mentors, and academic. If you are still in school, engaging in class, ask thoughtful questions and contribute to discussions. Show you’re eager to learn and improve. When someone has seen your dedication and growth firsthand, they’ll be more willing, and better equipped, to write you an exceptional letter.
8. Tailor Each Request to the Scholarship’s Goals
Not all scholarships value the same things, so help your recommender customise their letter accordingly.
Merit-based scholarships: Highlight your academic achievements and intellectual curiosity.
Leadership scholarships: Focus on your ability to inspire and guide others.
Community service scholarships: Emphasise your impact-driven initiatives and volunteer work.
A recommendation letter that clearly reflects the scholarship’s mission will resonate more with the selection committee.
A great recommendation letter isn’t something you leave to chance. With the right approach, that letter can be the key that unlocks your scholarship dreams.
