Online Letter of Recommendation Guidelines

Instructions for Students

In addition to submitting the online Wildcat Scholarship Application, some scholarships may also require a letter of recommendation.

If required, at least one letter of recommendation must be submitted by a reference for you to be considered. No more than two letters may be submitted on your behalf.

• Ask your recommender(s) for permission before entering their name on your application. Choose someone who can speak to your academic and/or personal success. It's important to get permission before you enter their name on your application, because once your application is submitted you will NOT be able to make any changes.
• In the Wildcat Scholarship Application, enter the name and email address of each person for whom you are requesting a letter of recommendation. They will be automatically emailed requesting information and instructions on how to submit a letter.
• Letters must be uploaded by the recommenders. Any letters submitted by the student/applicant will automatically be disqualified. 
• Your Recommender(s) may not be an immediate relative.

How to Ask for a Recommendation

• Ask Early: Be considerate. Don't wait until the last minute to ask for a reference. Letters may be requested by you personally before the Wildcat Scholarship Application opens or before you complete the application. This will allow for your reference to have your letter ready to submit when they receive the email request from us.
• Choose Wisely: Ask someone who knows you well and can write about your academic potential, your career goals, your volunteer and organizational commitments, etc. A recommender could be a faculty member or teacher, a counselor, an advisor, an employer, or an organizational leader. They should have direct contact with you, but should not be an immediate relative.
• Provide Info: It may be a while since you have spoken to a prospective reference, provide the recommender with a resume or a list of accomplishments, activities and goals, and an unofficial academic transcript to assist in the preparation of the letter. Provide faculty with the course name and semester you were enrolled. Make an effort to go to their office hours to ask them to brief them on what you have been doing and ask for a letter.
• Follow Up: You are responsible for checking your scholarship application to make sure that a letter has been submitted. You may want to follow up by contacting your reference to remind them of the deadline as needed. If a scholarship requires only one reference letter, it’s a good idea to request a second reference as a backup.
• Send Thanks: To keep the relationship and show your appreciation, always remember to let your recommender know the outcome of your application and thank them. This helps maintain a good long-term relationship—you may need to ask your recommender for something again in the future.

Checking Letter Status Online

Students may check letter submission status online by signing back into your Wildcat Scholarship Dashboard. Under Tasks and under Action click on "Manage Letters of Recommendation". Here you will see the status of all letters you have requested. 

Instructions for Recommendation Providers

Please provide the student with your name and correct email address so they can enter it in their application. You will receive an email during the application period requesting a letter of recommendation and instructions on how to upload and submit it. 

All letters must be submitted by the Recommender using the link sent to the Recommender's email. Any letters submitted by the student/applicant will be disqualified.

Letter Content and Format

Using the following questions as a guide, we suggest you provide an overall rating that assesses the applicant's abilities, talents and potential for academic success:

• How long have you known the applicant and under what circumstances have you become familiar with the applicant's academic abilities?
• Please assess the applicant's exceptional achievements and ability to contribute to the University's learning environment and or within the local community (i.e. out of classroom projects, events, and community involvements).
• Indicate the applicant's potential for success, leadership skills and specific areas of interest.
• Describe adverse circumstances the student has had to overcome to achieve success.
• How would you rate the applicant's motivation and initiative in pursuing academic and career goals?

Please include the student's full name in your letter of recommendation. The letter of recommendation should be official letterhead as a PDF or Microsoft Word document. If letterhead is not available you may upload it without letterhead. The content of your letter will be confidential and will not be viewable by the student. Only appropriate scholarship reviewers will have access to view your letter(s). 

How to Upload the Letter and Deadline

Your letter of recommendation must be submitted by February 20.

How To Upload the Letter:

1. Document name: Keep it short and simple. DO NOT to use any special characters or periods in the name of your document.
2. Save your letter in Word or pdf format. 
3. Once the student enters your name and email on their Wildcat Scholarship Application, you will receive an email from Financial Aid & Scholarships with instructions. Included in the intructions will be a:
   • Link - Click on link to access the scholarship system
   • PIN #- Is used to login and decline or upload your letter(s)
   • Letter of Recommendation Deadline

Questions? 

If you have questions, email scholarships@csuchico.edu.