All nationally-competitive scholarships require detailed letters of reference from faculty. Of course, faculty can only provide details if they know you very well. Consider the following ideas to cultivate the kinds of relationships that foster high-quality letters of reference.

• Get to know all of the faculty members in your major field(s), not simply your academic advisor

• Discuss your research, interests, and outside activities with faculty during office hours.

• Attend department events. Receptions for guest speakers, even your department’s annual picnic or softball game, provide great opportunities for you to interact with faculty.

• You may need at least one reference letter that speaks to the diversity of your academic interests and the breadth of your abilities. The best way to cultivate a quality reference for that purpose is to enroll in two or more classes with one faculty member outside your major field(s).

• Take at least one class with a faculty member who advises a group, club, or team to which you belong. By letting that faculty member observe you both inside and outside the classroom, you are cultivating a reference who can speak to the diversity of your skills and interests.

• Far in advance of your application deadline, ask particular professors if they will be willing and able to write a letter of reference for you. Understand that sometimes the answer may be “no.” A faculty member might decline your request if they do not believe they know you well enough to write an effective letter on your behalf; in other cases, pre-existing commitments may make it impossible for them to write for you (i.e. they may already be writing for another candidate for the same award and, thus, have a conflict of interest). 

• At least a month prior to your application deadline, provide the faculty members who have agreed to write your letters of reference with 1) a description of the scholarship program and its specific selection criteria, 2) a copy of your completed application including your personal statement, 3) a current copy of your resume or curriculum vitae, 4) a copy of your transcript, 5) a statement of your short- and long-term career aspirations (may be part of your personal statement), and 6) explicit written instructions for how they are to submit the letter of reference.

• Make yourself available to faculty who are writing your reference letters. Offer to meet to answer questions they may have. Be prepared to provide additional information quickly if requested.

• Most faculty will greatly appreciate a deadline-reminder (or two) as the date approaches.

• Once a faculty member has submitted a letter of reference on your behalf, it is courteous to send a thank-you note acknowledging the time the professor devoted to helping you achieve your goals.