Guide to letters of recommendation
- Ask the student to provide you with her curriculum vitae, transcripts, study plan and bursary selection criteria.
- Ask her to tell you what she wants you to emphasize in your letter (e.g., her financial needs, her potential for success, her work habits, etc.).
- Only cover those items that can be supported by facts and concrete examples and write the content according to the bursary selection criteria.
- The letter usually answers the following three questions:
- Who is the candidate and the relationship between you and since when (her teacher, her employer, her supervisor, etc.)?
- What skills are demonstrated for studies?
- What personal qualities have you noticed that might interest the selection committee?
- In conclusion, what summary do you make of your impressions of this student or future student?
