Detailed and thoughtful letters of recommendation are crucial for a successful scholarship or fellowship application.

Here are some tips for securing strong letters:

1. Build relationships with faculty and other key individuals throughout your undergraduate experience. Stay in touch even after you have completed the course with a given faculty member.
2. Do not ask for a letter from someone who does not know you well, who seems hesitant to write a letter or who communicates that he or she cannot write you a strong or detailed letter.
3. Ask the recommender well in advance. Ideally, give him or her at least four weeks notice.
4. Learn about the application process of the given scholarship, fellowship or program. Note how many letters are needed, and then identify faculty and other persons who can offer information that would be the most helpful for the given scholarship, fellowship or program.
5. Seek variety. Collectively, the letters should offer a balanced picture of you. Select recommenders who can offer different perspectives on your abilities, achievements and personality.
6. Provide recommenders with key information about you and the scholarship, fellowship or program. A copy of your resume, a description of the scholarship or fellowship and a brief reminder of some of the achievements you did in his or her class would be helpful.
7. Allow the letter to be confidential.
8. Keep up with all details. Give the recommender appropriate forms (or access to them), stamped and addressed envelopes, the exact deadline as well as all other relevant information, such as to whom the letter should be addressed, the exact address, and the number of copies needed.
9. Follow up with your recommenders by thanking them and updating them on the status of your application.