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Making the Contacts Clark College Scholarship Workshop 2008. Maxine Mitchell, Director Career & Employment Services Clark College. What is a “Recommendation”?. This is a written reference you will need, as part of your scholarship application.
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Making the ContactsClark College Scholarship Workshop 2008 Maxine Mitchell, Director Career & Employment Services Clark College
What is a “Recommendation”? • This is a written reference you will need, as part of your scholarship application. • This reference (person) will be recommending you for a scholarship, based on what they know about you. • They will be filling out the Clark College Scholarship Recommendation form (see application packet). • Only 2 recommendations are accepted. • At least one must be from a recent instructor.
Know the Basics! • Only use the official form in the handbook. • The scholarship application and recommendation form are also available online (follow links to the Financial Aid web page): www.clark.edu • Provide your reference with a resume or copy of your Accomplishments (#15 on scholarship application). • Give the form to 4-5 people. • Post “deadline to return” to you in pencil at the top. • Be picky about which ones you submit. • Don’t forget to put your name at the top! • Don’t forget to thank them!
Who Should you Ask? • At least one instructor in whose classes you did well (or showed great improvement) • Volunteer work supervisors • Employers you’ve worked for • Advisors, coaches, counselors • Clergy members • Community leaders • People who know you well, have observed your work and have worked closely with you. • Not family members!
How to Cultivate a Reference? • Review your list of possibilities (see previous page) • Decide which ones would be a good reference for you. • Review who you’ve worked for; choose a former supervisor to ask, if you don’t have at least 2 instructors. • Call or email them; meet them in person, if possible
Getting to Know your Instructors • Make yourself noticed in class or at work. • Be on a first-name basis with your teachers and work supervisors. • Volunteer to do things out of the ordinary. • Demonstrate your kindness to others. • Show your leadership abilities. • Volunteer to tutor fellow students or help the teacher.
Getting to Know your Instructors (cont.) • Visit your teachers during their office hours. • Go up to them after class, ask questions. • Ask for their advice. • Be professional in your approach. • Get your work done on time. • Have a positive attitude! • Always do a quality job in everything you attempt, and you will be noticed!
How to Ask for a Recommendation? • Don’t wait until the last minute! • Ask for a recommendation from a teacher whose class you did well in OR you’ve demonstrated improvement in. • Ask for a recommendation from a work supervisor you got along well with and knows you work habits. • Make sure they know you by your first and last name.
How to Ask (cont.) • Politely approach them during a non-busy time. • Explain what type of scholarship(s) you are applying for. • Explain the process to them. • Give them a deadline; make sure they agree. • Tell them how important it is to you and how much you would appreciate their help.
What to Provide Your References • Your list of accomplishments and extracurricular activities (see #15 in application) or your resume to review. • Tell them about your academic and career goals • Provide them with samples of your college-level work, especially from the class they taught you (as a reminder).
What Should the “Written Statement” Say About You? • It should refer to your personal qualities, leadership skills, uniqueness, work ethic, and dependability. • It can address your potential, personality and integrity. • The quality of your work and grades earned in their classes. • Their observation of how you worked as a member of a team. • Their recommendation, based on your ability to do college-level work.
What Else is Important to Know? • Be selective in which ones you submit with your application. Choose the best, well-written ones. • The recommendations may be typed or neatly printed in the space or attach a statement to the form. • The recommendation form must be signed and filled out by the author! • This form is required, as part of your scholarship application. Without it, it will be denied!
In conclusion... • Pay attention to the deadline for the application (no later than 4:30 pm, Friday, April 11, 2008 – Office of Financial Aid, Clark College)! • Be sure to thank your references verbally and with a short thank you note (you may need to ask them again, at another time). • Make copies of everything you turn in! • Good luck and relax! • People basically want to help you. Make it easy for them to do so.