Letters of recommendation
An outstanding letter of recommendation can boost the competitiveness of an application. It can give insight into the applicant’s character as well as complement and confirm the information provided in the rest of the application. A strong letter will give specific examples of how the applicant is a strong candidate and aligns with the selection criteria and mission of the scholarship.
Who to ask? We encourage you to go to office hours and make appointments to meet with professors, TAs, and advisers as you move through your UW experience, before you ever need letters of recommendation. This will give you a chance to get to know them, and for them to understand your goals, and be ready to write stellar letters! Follow the application’s instructions – some programs need multiple letters, others need letters from people with Ph.Ds. and others will specify what details each letter should include.
How to ask?
Start with an email or meeting:
- Reach out as soon as you decide to apply for an opportunity. Include pertinent details in the ask email such as how the letter writer knows you, links to the scholarship, what you would like them to highlight in the letter, and when the letter is due. Prepare to follow up within 4-5 days, if you do not hear back from them.
- Alternatively, you may request a meeting to discuss the scholarship and the letter of recommendation.
- Plan ahead: try to give your recommenders 4 – 6 weeks to write and submit your letters.
Send them the details:
Once they agree to write the letter, list them in the application portal. This usually generates a personalized link for them to submit their letter. Email them this link if you also get it, and links to the scholarship opportunity. Share copies of your CV, transcript and draft essays. Remind them why you are a good candidate for the scholarship and highlight what you would like them to focus on in the letter.
Follow up!
- Two weeks before the deadline, email them a reminder.
- Stay connected! After you receive a decision about your application – whether or not the results were successful – follow up with your letter writers to let them know what happened. Thank them again for supporting you and give an update on your activities. This step is key not only because it’s polite, but also because you may need to ask for more letters from these individuals in the future.
Timing:
- Plan ahead and try to give your recommenders 4 – 6 weeks to write and submit your letters.
- However, if you find out about an opportunity at the last minute, you can always ask recommenders if they are able to help you. But especially when asking at the last minute, be understanding of their busy schedules, don’t make a habit of rushing, be prepared for a “no” and have alternative options, and make the process as easy on them as possible.
