How to Get a Strong Letter of Recommendation for Scholarships

(And Not Just a Generic "She Was a Good Student")

If you're applying for a fully funded scholarship — whether it's Chevening, DAAD, Erasmus Mundus, or Fulbright — you probably already know that recommendation letters can make or break your application. But what you might not know is this:

Strong letters of recommendation don’t happen by accident.They happen because you made it easy for your recommender to write something compelling.

Why Does This Matter?

Think about it: your professor or supervisor probably has dozens of students. If you just email them saying “Please write me a recommendation for XYZ scholarship,” what are they going to do?

They’ll either:

• Write something vague and forgettable.

• Ask you to draft it (which feels awkward).

• Or...ignore your request.

The solution? Equip them.

What Is a “Recommendation Package”?

A Recommendation Package is a bundle of helpful materials you send your recommender so they can write a letter that’s aligned with the scholarship, your achievements, and your personal journey.

What to Include:

✅ Your CV or Resume

So they can reference your academic/professional journey with real detail. Highlight leadership, awards, and research.

✅ Draft of Your Motivation Letter

This shows them how you’re positioning yourself in your application and what your future goals are.

✅ Scholarship Overview

Let them know:

• What the scholarship is about

• What traits it values (e.g. leadership, community work, policy focus)

• What your chosen course is and where

✅ Your Key Achievements or Talking Points

Tell them:

• What you’re proud of

• Projects you worked on with them

• Any moments where you demonstrated initiative, growth, or leadership

✅ Deadline and Submission Instructions

Don’t just say “it’s due soon.” Be specific. Add the deadline, submission link, and format (PDF upload? Email?)

✅ A Short Paragraph on How You’ve Worked Together (optional but GOLD)

Example: “I took two of your advanced economics courses, and later worked with you as a research assistant on urban transport policy. You saw my work ethic firsthand and gave me feedback that helped shape my thesis.”

The Unwritten Rules (That No One Tells You Online)

Here’s where it gets real:

1. Give At Least 2 Months’ Notice

Yes, two. If the deadline is in October, you should reach out in August. Good letters take time. You’ll also want to factor in reminders, reviews, and maybe even editing.

2. Don't Assume They Know the Scholarship

Your professor might be brilliant, but that doesn’t mean they know what the Chevening committee is looking for. Spell it out.

“Chevening values leadership, networking, and a commitment to return and contribute to your home country. I’m applying for Public Policy at LSE because I want to work on health systems back home.”

This helps them frame your strengths to match the scholarship.

3. Offer to Share Talking Points or a Draft

This doesn’t mean ghostwriting your own rec letter (which is unethical). But it does mean helping them recall what made you a standout.

e.g.

• “In your Research Methods class, I consistently scored above 90% and led a group project on migrant health policies.”

• “As your teaching assistant, I designed a mini-module and trained 2 junior TAs.”

Be helpful, not humble.

Structuring a Strong Letter: A Section-by-Section Guide for Recommenders

1. Introduction of the Referee

A strong letter starts by introducing the referee: their position, background, and how they know you. This adds credibility and context.

Example: “As Professor of Sociology at ABC University, I have taught and supervised Fatima for three years, including overseeing her final-year thesis.”

2. Candidate's Interests and Alignment with the Program

The referee should reflect on your academic goals and how they align with the course or scholarship.

Example: “Fatima’s dedication to gender and mobility studies aligns seamlessly with the interdisciplinary curriculum offered by the MSc program in Development Geography at XYZ University.”

3. Classroom and Professional Engagement

What makes you a valuable team player or an insightful participant?

Example: “In class, Fatima was known for her critical reflections and her ability to link theoretical concepts to real-world case studies from South Asia.”

4. Academic and Professional Abilities, Intellectual Curiosity

Let your recommender speak to your grit, curiosity, and brilliance.

Example: “She independently reviewed over 50 articles for her thesis, and frequently took initiative in integrating feminist urbanism into discussions beyond the syllabus.”

5. Fit for the Program and Value to the Student Body

Your recommender should show how you’d thrive in the program and enhance it.

Example: “Fatima’s interdisciplinary outlook and collaborative nature would greatly contribute to an international academic cohort.”

6. Relevant Projects or Assignments

Specificity boosts credibility.

Example: “Her thesis on ‘Geographies of Fear’ not only demonstrated methodological sophistication but was shortlisted for a departmental award.”

7. Character and Growth Over Time

This is often overlooked but makes a big impact.

Example: “Despite personal setbacks, Fatima showed resilience and responsibility in submitting quality work on time, and often supported peers in navigating similar challenges.”

8. Ambition and Openness to New Ideas

An ideal recommender closes by talking about your future potential.

Example: “Fatima’s openness to critique, her ability to pivot in response to feedback, and her long-term vision of returning to Pakistan to improve gendered transport policies reflect a maturity far beyond her years.”

But What If…

❓My professor doesn't have a stamp or official letterhead?

That’s okay — many scholarships now accept digital letters. Just ask your professor to use their institutional email address when submitting.

❓What if they ask me to draft the letter myself?

This happens more often than you'd think. If it does, we recommend:

• Creating a bullet-point outline based on your achievements and traits

• Referring to the scholarship’s goals and values

• Keeping tone formal but personal

(Need help? That’s something Ramsha’s Consulting supports with — without compromising ethics.)

Final Thoughts

A strong recommendation letter is personal, specific, and aligned with the scholarship’s mission. It speaks to your potential, not just your grades. But your recommender can’t write a letter like that unless you give them the tools.

Put in the prep now, and it’ll pay off later — with a rec letter that adds serious weight to your application.

✉️ Need help crafting your recommendation package? We help applicants design their documents and strategy, especially for competitive programs like DAAD, Chevening, Erasmus Mundus, Fulbright, and more.

👉 Email us at: hello@ramshasconsulting.com

Or follow us on Instagram: @ramshasconsulting