Recommendation Letter

[adlin]

Hi guys,

I think I should introduce myself first. I'm Indonesian and I'd already applied for chinese language scholarship through my home country embassy. I have sent all the required document, except recommendation letter. I think it's no need to give recomendation letter since I just apply for chinese language. The result will be end of July.

Anyone here know, wether it's a must or not to send the recommendation letter? I really want to get this scholarship, but I don't want to wish for something impossible.

Thanks.

Regards,

Adeline

[Brian US]

If you are referring to the CSC scholarship through the Chinese government, then you will find a large thread at the top of the forum. I'm not familiar with any Indonesian scholarships, but a safe rule of thumb would be to provide all required and relevant information. You could always contact the office you sent the application to and see if they need anything more from you.

I never saw the point of recommendation letters as I have never heard of a BAD one.

[kongli]

Even if the scholarship doesn't require a recommendation letter it's always good to include one just to be sure.

As to the point of a recommendation letter, most of the worth will come from WHO is writing it, not the content. For example, if you are applying for a scholarship to study history and you get a well known history prof. to write your letter, that will be of immense benefit. But if you just get your gen ed math professors to write it, it probably won't make much of a difference.

[JonBI]

If you are referring to the CSC scholarship through the Chinese government, then you will find a large thread at the top of the forum. I'm not familiar with any Indonesian scholarships, but a safe rule of thumb would be to provide all required and relevant information. You could always contact the office you sent the application to and see if they need anything more from you.

I never saw the point of recommendation letters as I have never heard of a BAD one.

True, however formal recommendation letters are in sealed envelopes. They show that you can get someone to vouch for you, who knows you personally, hopefully at an academic level, which is good because it means you can put on a good impression.

I personally had good letters, but then again, I know employers who have said they would give a reference, and then told the truth. What goes on in the envelope is a mystery.