Get to know a few of your professors well during the time you are at AU. See them as mentors. Keep them posted about your successes.

Make a list of potential referees. Your list should include faculty members who know you for more than the grade you earned in their class. Someone who has seen you in more than one class, supervised you on a major research project, and can speak to your personal qualities as well as academic abilities, is ideal. We recommend that you review your list with a Merit Awards advisor.

Never wait until the last minute. Ask early--as much as 6 weeks in advance. Professors have tremendous demands on their time and will have trouble complying with a belated request. Some faculty members receive requests to write dozens of recommendations per semester.

Say to your professor: "Do you feel you know me (or my academic abilities or leadership skills) well enough to write a letter for the Fulbright scholarship?" This gives your professor the chance to decline gracefully.

Encourage your referees to read and critique at least one draft of your proposal. They will have greater knowledge of your plans and may feel more invested in them!

Schedule an appointment to discuss the scholarship for which you are applying. Bring to this appointment the following:

The request form (see above) developed by the Office of Merit Awards. This memo includes a brief description of the program, the deadline for your letter, the appropriate salutation, and other relevant details.
This completed form.
A well-developed draft of the application essays.
Any relevant printed information about the scholarship. This may include a copy of the application itself.
Your resume and transcript. Make sure that your resume reflects the kinds of qualifications most relevant to your Fulbright proposal. Highlight the areas you would like the professor to address.
Your most significant paper or written project for your professor's course.

About 48 hours before the letter of recommendation is due, call or email the professor to see if he/she has any additional questions. If the referee has not yet submitted the letter, this is a gentle reminder.

Acknowledge your referees for their hard work on your behalf! Send them a thank you note and don't forget to let them know what happens.