Writing a Letter of Recommendation: Rhodes Scholarships

Thank you for taking the time to write a letter of recommendation for a nationally competitive scholarship application. Yours is a valuable contribution to this formative process and we appreciate your advocacy on behalf of the applicant.

Please be aware, it is a matter of NCS policy that applicants must waive their right to see your letter of recommendation. We also cannot accept letters authored by applicants; the endorsement must be from the letter-signer.

At any time in this process, from brainstorming the first draft to finalizing your letters, we are delighted to help. Please contact ncs-ousf@duke.edu if you would like to discuss further or for questions or concerns.

Guidelines
Criteria	Literary and scholastic attainments (academic excellence) Energy to use talents to the full (as demonstrated by mastery in areas such as sports, music, debate, dance, theatre, and artistic pursuits, particularly where teamwork is involved) Truth, courage, devotion to duty, sympathy for and protection of the weak, kindliness, unselfishness and fellowship Moral force of character and instincts to lead, and to take an interest in one's fellow beings.
Endorsement Required	Yes. This is a multi-stage process.
Number of Recommenders	Up to 8 total, at least four must be academic in nature.

Application Timeline
Stage	Description	Deadline
Endorsement Application Deadline	NCS will convene a faculty committee to decide which applicants will go forward to compete at the national level.	August 8
Endorsement Decisions Announced		Early September
National Deadline	Once endorsed, your applicant will enter your information into the application platform and you will receive a link to upload your letter to the national foundation website.	October 3

FAQs

Where do I submit?

For the Endorsement Round: submit your letter by email to ncs-ousf@duke.edu
For the National Round: You will receive a link from the national foundation (check your spam folder) and must submit the letter online by the national deadline. No exceptions are made for late materials. It should be a signed PDF on letterhead. NCS cannot submit the letter on your behalf.

To whom do I address the letter?

Please address your letter to the chair and committee members of the district to which your applicant is applying OR to the
“Rhodes Selection Committee Members”

What might the letter contain?

How does the applicant meet the Rhodes criteria? What is outstanding about their scholarship, leadership, and/or character?
Why is Oxford the best place for them to study?
How does their study plan fit into their future ambitions?
What examples can you share that illustrate your strong endorsement for the candidate?
How does this applicant compare to other people you have taught/supervised?

How will I know whether my applicant has been endorsed?

Applicants are instructed to let you know as soon as they learn the decision of the campus endorsement committee. Endorsements are usually made by NCS during the end of the second week of class in the fall semester.

Further Resources

Advice from the Rhodes Trust to recommendation writers.