As the cost of secondary education continues to increase at an alarming rate, students and parents of students are faced with the heavy burden of these costs, and in some cases, also faced with the decision of whether secondary education is a viable option. According to EducationData.org, the average annual cost of tuition at a public 4-year college is 40 times higher than tuition in 1963. And while that is a sobering statistic, this doesn’t include the growth in related fees and room and board. There are several college savings strategies to manage the rising costs of secondary education, including 429 investment plans, grants and student loans. But an oftentimes elusive source for funds is the vast universe of scholarships.
Why Scholarships?
- Scholarships Are Free Money
- No Repayment Needed: Unlike loans, scholarships don’t have to be paid back.
- Avoid Interest Debt: Loans often come with interest that can compound over time, leading to significant debt for both students and parents.
- Sense of Pride and Achievement
- Earned Recognition: Receiving a scholarship is a testament to your hard work and dedication.
- Merit-Based Rewards: Most scholarships consider:
- Academic Excellence: High GPA
- Test Scores: Strong performance on college aptitude tests
- Personal Essays: Well-crafted scholarship essays
- Extracurricular Activities: Involvement in clubs, sports, or community service
The Importance of Recommendation Letters
Another key variable in being awarded a scholarship is the number and quality of recommendation letters.
Remember, the environment for being awarded a scholarship is very competitive, with only 7% of college students receiving aid. Therefore, scholarship committees are looking for ways of finding the most deserving students. A reference letter is one of the best ways to provide information to committees that cannot be gathered from grades and school involvement alone.
Selecting the Right Person to Recommend You
- Choose Individuals Who Will Speak Positively About You
- Consider Credible References. These people carry more weight than family friends:
- Teachers
- Coaches
- Pastors
- Volunteer Supervisors
- Employers
- Select Someone Who Knows You Well
- Choose someone familiar with who you are now.
- They should understand your potential and achievements.
- Understand Each Scholarship’s Unique Requirements
- Study the Scholarship Details.
- Read about its origin, history, and values.
- Ensure your recommender can highlight qualities that match the scholarship’s criteria.
- Highlight Relevant Strengths
- Identify what the committee values most.
- Select a recommender who can emphasize these strengths.
How Do I Request Letters of Recommendation?
The approach to asking someone for a recommendation should not be overly casual, no matter your relationship with them. It’s important to be professional and to be respectful of their time and effort on your behalf.
- In your communications, utilize a respectful but friendly tone, while clearly expressing your need for a recommendation letter. Start with your subject line - whether it is a printed or emailed request. From your first communication to your last with the referrer, always double check your spelling, punctuation and grammar.
- From a timing standpoint, don’t procrastinate and put the referrers back to the wall. As best as possible, give them plenty of time to prepare a quality letter. Consider a window of three to six weeks, and don’t be afraid to send friendly reminders from time to time. Most people appreciate those as they really do want to help.
- To better help the referrer to do the best job possible for you, provide them with all the scholarship information that is relevant, including the actual application. Additionally, the amount being offered, due date, eligibility requirements and the type of student the scholarship committee is looking for, are all pieces of information critical to the referrer.
- It’s also a good idea to share your own insights as to what you’d like the referrer to communicate. This helps the recommender tailor their letter to reflect experiences with you that fit the scholarship program.
So, by now you might be feeling a bit stressed by both the scholarship application process and the process of requesting recommendation letters. Maybe you even feel guilty about bothering people for their help. Remember that these people are most likely honored to be asked, care enough about you to help, and maybe went through this very process themselves!
As you finish up the application process, always remember to follow up with the people who gave their time and effort to help you. Be professional throughout the process, keep them updated on the application status, and as important as anything - thank them for their assistance!
Not only is this the right thing to do, but these individuals may also play significant roles in your future endeavors. For additional resources, tips, and guidance on preparing for college, be sure to explore our Learning Center. You’ll find valuable information to help you navigate this exciting journey.
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