Guidance for Recommenders

Recommenders don’t need to be instructors or counselors—we welcome letters from anyone who can speak to the applicant’s character, who isn’t a family member or close friend.

Key Information

The recommendation letter is optional for applications. They can choose to either write a 3rd essay OR have a recommender submit a letter
on their behalf.

The recommendation deadline is one month before the application deadline. There are no exceptions made for this.

APIA Scholars only accepts letters submitted online through the Kaleidoscope platform.

Make sure you give the applicant the correct email you will use to submit your letter.

Please inform the applicant ASAP if:

• You are unable to provide a letter by the deadline
• You feel you cannot write a strong letter for the applicant
• You are not able to submit a letter online
• Any other reason you may be unable to submit a letter (including if you are a relative of the applicant)

It is okay to politely decline a request to write a letter. If able, suggest who might be a better fit.

Directions and Tips

We ask recommenders to pick two qualities below and write on how they’ve seen the applicant exhibit them, based on the recommender’s specific relationship with the applicant. Recommenders should also write about anything that makes the applicant stand out to them personally.

Minimum word count: 200 words

• Don’t be afraid to request a conversation with the applicant to learn more about them.
• Ask the applicant if they are comfortable sharing their essay responses with you. It may help you find different experiences to highlight.
• Discuss what this scholarship would mean to the applicant, their family, and their community.
• Avoid clichés—many applicants may be hardworking, but what makes this applicant stand out?
• Use specific examples when possible.