Guidance on Letters of Recommendation

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Pen to paper

Thank you for taking the time to recommend a student for a nationally competitive scholarship. Yours is an important contribution to the applicant’s candidacy.

Every scholarship has a specific set of criteria that they ask letter-writers to address. These characteristics often include academic merit, leadership, service, and long-term potential. Your letter of recommendation should directly address these criteria. In the links below, we will identify the timeline and criteria as established by the scholarship foundation, but you should consult with the applicant as well to learn about the major themes of their materials. 

All students have waived their right to see your letter and it is NAFA and OUSF policy to reject letters drafted by the student. 

With some notice, we are happy to provide feedback on letters of recommendation. For questions or concerns, please feel free to contact us at ncs-ousf@duke.edu.