Scholarships
College Scholarships
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NSDA Scholarships
The National Speech & Debate Tournament provides more than $100,000 in scholarships to student competitors.
Letters of Recommendation
What is a Letter of Recommendation?
A letter of recommendation is a way for someone who knows you well (such as a teacher, speech and debate coach, mentor, or supervisor) to share your character, work ethic, and accomplishments with colleges, scholarship committees, or other programs. These letters give readers a sense of who you are beyond grades, test scores, trophies, and transcripts. By the end of the letter, the reader should have a clear picture of your strengths and growth.
Letters of recommendation are often required for college or scholarship applications, and unlike other parts of your application, you don’t write or edit them yourself. Instead, you ask a trusted adult who can speak authentically about your skills and experiences to write the letter on your behalf. Usually, the recommender sends it directly to the school or program, so you don’t see it.
How to Request a Letter of Recommendation?
Pick recommenders who know you well and can share specific examples of your skills and growth. Choose people who understand your strengths and can explain them clearly. Recommenders should be professional relationships—no family members or friends.
Ask Thoughtfully
Reach out four to six weeks before the earliest deadline to show respect for their time. Share what you’ve learned from them, how they’ve seen you grow, or why their perspective matters. This helps them understand why their letter will be meaningful.
Provide Complete Information
Share everything they might need to write a strong letter. This typically includes:
- Information about you:
- Your resume or activities list.
- Context about your goals and priorities—for example, the programs you’re applying to, your intended major, and why they’re important to you.
- Key traits or characteristics you’d like emphasized, such as leadership, resilience, critical thinking, collaboration, or intellectual curiosity.
- Specific anecdotes or achievements that illustrate your skills and contributions, especially ones your recommender may not remember in detail.
- Your resume or activities list.
- Where and how they should submit the letter(s), such as forms, links, app, website, school portal, email, etc.
- Exact deadline(s)
Give Them an Easy Out
A strong recommendation comes from someone who feels confident and has the time to write it thoughtfully. Give your potential recommender a clear, respectful way to decline by framing your email as an invitation, not an obligation.
Recommendation Letter Request Email Template
Subject: Recommendation Letter Request
Dear [NAME],
I’m reaching out to ask if you would consider writing a letter of recommendation for me to support my application [to COLLEGE / for SCHOLARSHIP].
You have seen my growth and work as a student and competitor and I truly value the mentorship and support you’ve provided along the way. Your perspective on my development would mean a great deal to me because… < Why you are asking this person to write for you>
I am applying [to COLLEGE / for SCHOLARSHIP] because [LIST YOUR GOALS].
I’m a good fit because [DESCRIBE YOUR SKILLS, TRAITS, EXPERIENCE, ACHIEVEMENTS].
I have also attached my resume and list of activities. Please let me know if you need any more information.
I would be honored if you’d consider writing a letter of recommendation for me. It is due by [DATE] and must be submitted by [METHOD].
I completely understand if your schedule doesn’t allow for it, and I appreciate you taking the time to consider my request.
Warmly,
[YOUR NAME]
| If the Requester Says “No” | If the Requester Says “Yes” |
|---|---|
| Sometimes, a potential recommender may decline because of time constraints, workload, or other reasons. This is normal and not a reflection on you or your abilities. Respond professionally and express gratitude for their time.
You might say something like, “Thank you so much for considering it. I completely understand, and I really appreciate your support in other ways.” |
Say Thank You Right Away A prompt thank you message matters. Even a short reply shows appreciation and professionalism. Check In Send a single polite reminder about one or two weeks before the deadline. Update them if anything changes. If you add a school, change a deadline, or no longer need a letter somewhere, let them know as soon as possible.
Send a Final Thank You Note |
What is a Letter of Recommendation?
A letter of recommendation is a way for someone who knows you well (such as a teacher, speech and debate coach, mentor, or supervisor) to share your character, work ethic, and accomplishments with colleges, scholarship committees, or other programs. These letters give readers a sense of who you are beyond grades, test scores, trophies, and transcripts. By the end of the letter, the reader should have a clear picture of your strengths and growth.
Letters of recommendation are often required for college or scholarship applications, and unlike other parts of your application, you don’t write or edit them yourself. Instead, you ask a trusted adult who can speak authentically about your skills and experiences to write the letter on your behalf. Usually, the recommender sends it directly to the school or program, so you don’t see it.
Pick recommenders who know you well and can share specific examples of your skills and growth. Choose people who understand your strengths and can explain them clearly. Recommenders should be professional relationships—no family members or friends.
Ask Thoughtfully
Reach out four to six weeks before the earliest deadline to show respect for their time. Share what you’ve learned from them, how they’ve seen you grow, or why their perspective matters. This helps them understand why their letter will be meaningful.
Provide Complete Information
Share everything they might need to write a strong letter. This typically includes:
- Information about you:
- Your resume or activities list.
- Context about your goals and priorities—for example, the programs you’re applying to, your intended major, and why they’re important to you.
- Key traits or characteristics you’d like emphasized, such as leadership, resilience, critical thinking, collaboration, or intellectual curiosity.
- Specific anecdotes or achievements that illustrate your skills and contributions, especially ones your recommender may not remember in detail.
- Your resume or activities list.
- Where and how they should submit the letter(s), such as forms, links, app, website, school portal, email, etc.
- Exact deadline(s)
Give Them an Easy Out
A strong recommendation comes from someone who feels confident and has the time to write it thoughtfully. Give your potential recommender a clear, respectful way to decline by framing your email as an invitation, not an obligation.
Recommendation Letter Request Email Template
Subject: Recommendation Letter Request
Dear [NAME],
I’m reaching out to ask if you would consider writing a letter of recommendation for me to support my application [to COLLEGE / for SCHOLARSHIP].
You have seen my growth and work as a student and competitor and I truly value the mentorship and support you’ve provided along the way. Your perspective on my development would mean a great deal to me because… < Why you are asking this person to write for you>
I am applying [to COLLEGE / for SCHOLARSHIP] because [LIST YOUR GOALS].
I’m a good fit because [DESCRIBE YOUR SKILLS, TRAITS, EXPERIENCE, ACHIEVEMENTS].
I have also attached my resume and list of activities. Please let me know if you need any more information.
I would be honored if you’d consider writing a letter of recommendation for me. It is due by [DATE] and must be submitted by [METHOD].
I completely understand if your schedule doesn’t allow for it, and I appreciate you taking the time to consider my request.
Warmly,
[YOUR NAME]
| If the Requester Says “No” | If the Requester Says “Yes” |
|---|---|
| Sometimes, a potential recommender may decline because of time constraints, workload, or other reasons. This is normal and not a reflection on you or your abilities. Respond professionally and express gratitude for their time.
You might say something like, “Thank you so much for considering it. I completely understand, and I really appreciate your support in other ways.” |
Say Thank You Right Away A prompt thank you message matters. Even a short reply shows appreciation and professionalism. Check In Send a single polite reminder about one or two weeks before the deadline. Update them if anything changes. If you add a school, change a deadline, or no longer need a letter somewhere, let them know as soon as possible. Send a Final Thank You Note |