Letters of recommendation are critical for the success of a student's application.

In fact, a strong letter of recommendation may compensate for many shortcomings found in the applicant’s essays or transcripts. Alternatively, a mediocre or lukewarm letter of recommendation can effectively kill an otherwise strong application.

Because applicants are competing on a national basis for a very limited number of scholarships, it is imperative that your letters of recommendation provide as much relevant detail as possible. Specific examples and concrete comparisons with other students make a stronger case for our best candidates.

Tips for effective letters of recommendation