How to Get Recommendation Letters from Professor Easily?

Ah, the good ol’ recommendation letter—a vital piece of your scholarship application puzzle! But how do you go about asking for one without feeling like you’re putting your professor in an awkward spot? And how many should you actually collect to maximize your chances of snagging that scholarship? Fret not, my friend! Let’s dive into how you can win those golden recommendations (and maybe even make your professors smile while writing them)!

Step 1: Choose Your Professors Wisely (A.K.A. Avoid Professor Doom)

Before rushing to send emails, pause and think: Which professors know me well enough to write something meaningful? A good recommendation should showcase more than your grades; it should highlight your personality, work ethic, and potential.

Here’s your dream team:

• A professor in your field of study – They know your academic prowess and can speak the lingo of your scholarship field.
• Someone you’ve worked closely with – Bonus points if you’ve done research or extracurricular projects with them!
• Professors who like you (duh!) – If you’ve had a good rapport, it’s likely they’ll write glowing reviews.

Step 2: The Early Bird Gets the Best Letters (Yes, We Mean Early)

Your professors are busy people (translation: they get buried in emails). So, asking them for a recommendation should be like a well-planned military operation—strategic, timely, and respectful. Don’t pull a last-minute “Hey, prof, can I get a letter tomorrow?” scenario. (Unless you want to give them a heart attack and end up with a half-hearted letter.)

Ideal Timeline?

Give them at least 3-4 weeks’ notice. You’ll need a solid letter that reflects your awesomeness, and good things take time.

Here’s a simple but magical email template:

Subject: Request for Recommendation Letter for [Your Name]’s Scholarship Application

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Dear Professor [Their Name],

I hope this email finds you well! I’m applying for the [Name of Scholarship] to pursue [Your Field of Study] abroad, and I’m reaching out to ask if you would kindly provide a recommendation letter on my behalf. I thoroughly enjoyed your [class/project/lab], and I believe your insights would be incredibly valuable for my application.

The scholarship deadline is [Deadline Date], and the letter needs to be submitted by [Submission Date]. I’ve attached my resume and relevant information to make the process as smooth as possible.

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Please let me know if you’d be willing to write the letter or if there’s any additional information I can provide.

Thank you so much for your time and consideration!

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Warm regards,
[Your Name]

Boom! You’ve just given them plenty of time, showed appreciation, and included helpful attachments to make their lives easier.

Step 3: How Many Letters Do You Actually Need?

So, how many letters should you aim for? Most scholarships require two to three letters of recommendation. Having more than that could make you look overzealous, while fewer than two might be too light.

Here’s the breakdown:

1. Academic Recommendations (2-3) – These are your core recommendations, and they should come from professors who can speak about your academic performance, growth, and potential.
2. Extracurricular or Professional Recommendations (1, optional) – Some scholarships allow (or even encourage) recommendations from mentors outside of academia, such as internship supervisors, research collaborators, or even a boss from a part-time job related to your field.

Step 4: Equip Your Professors with the Right Tools

Make it as easy as possible for your professor to say yes and deliver a stellar letter! Provide them with:

• Your resume (updated and polished, please).
• A list of achievements or talking points – This can be a short paragraph reminding them of specific projects, classes, or strengths they can highlight.
• The scholarship details – What are they looking for? Leadership skills? Community involvement? Academic excellence? Help your professor target the right qualities.

Step 5: Follow Up (Because Professors Have Lives Too!)

If your professor hasn’t responded after a week or two, it’s totally okay to send a polite follow-up email. Keep it short and sweet, and don’t panic!

Here’s a quick reminder template:

Subject: Friendly Reminder for Recommendation Letter for [Your Name]

Dear Professor [Their Name],

I just wanted to follow up regarding my scholarship application and kindly remind you of the approaching deadline on [Date]. If there’s any additional information you need from me, please don’t hesitate to let me know!

Thank you again for your support, and I truly appreciate your time.

Warm regards,
[Your Name]

Step 6: Say Thank You (Gratitude is Always in Fashion)

Once your professor has submitted the letter, thank them. A simple email or handwritten note can go a long way! They’ve taken time out of their busy schedule to help you, so let them know their effort was appreciated (Ref).

Pro Tip: Bonus Letters—Should You Get Extras?

While you may only need two or three letters, it’s never a bad idea to have an extra recommendation on hand. Some scholarships let you submit additional letters, and having a backup could come in handy for future applications.

And there you have it! Getting professors to recommend you for scholarships abroad doesn’t have to be stressful or awkward. As long as you’re polite, organized, and give them enough time, your professors will be happy to help you on your journey. Who knows? Maybe your recommendation letter will be so glowing, it’ll light the way to scholarship success!

Good luck, scholarship hunter—your dream university is just a letter (or three) away!

References

• https://academicguides.duke.edu/requesting-a-letter-of-recommendation/
• https://writersworkshop.illinois.edu/resources-2/instructor-resources/letters-of-recommendation/
• https://gradschool.cornell.edu/diversity-inclusion/recruitment/prospective-students/requesting-letters-of-recommendation/
• https://as.nyu.edu/departments/sociology/undergraduate/requesting-a-letter-of-recommendation.html
• https://summer.harvard.edu/blog/how-to-ask-for-a-letter-of-recommendation/
• https://career.eoss.asu.edu/blog/2022/09/15/how-to-ask-for-a-letter-of-recommendation-2/