How is it possible to get a letter of recommendation if no one knows anything about you?

Question

I always get snagged on the part where scholarships request letters of recommendation or references. I don't have any! I don't know anyone that knows me well enough. What can I do?

Please read the entire question fully before answering.

Answer 1

Your high school teachers know you pretty well. They are an excellent source of recommendation.

Answer 2

Ask some of your professors for letters of recommendations if you have excelled in classes with an A or if you have taken the same professor for different classes. Tell them you're trying to get a scholarships. Thats how I get mines and it works well. gl

Answer 3

It usually helps if you give them information about you -- a resume, a summary of your extracurriculars, your academic high points, your goals. If you're using a past teacher/professor, see if you have a copy of a paper you wrote for them or something to jog their memory. And if you're doing it via mail or email, not in person -- this sounds strange, but send a photo. My mom is a college professor and she says she always asks for one, because she normally remembers them once she sees them. Teachers/professors are often quite used to writing letters for people they don't know all that well -- don't be afraid to ask. They want to see you succeed even if they don't know you that well!

Answer 4

i hit that too. the best thing you can do is prepare for this . next semester in stead of being the student in the back that doesn't participate try going up to the teacher and introducing yourself asking questions in person. go to their office hours.
otherwise i would suggest going back to high school or asking your employer for recommendation.
goodluck

Answer 5

ummm well you should still probably get recommendations even though it wont be sincere. cause ive been asking around and no recommendations look really bad. Plus its never to late to try to get those relationships up.

Answer 6

Someone has to know some of your qualities. Better if someone not in your family. Possibly an old teacher, coach, music instructor....employer...whatever....You may have to help them write the letter.

There is always someone that knows you...maybe better than you know yourself.

Answer 7

Write your own as if someone you know wrote it and then ask them to look at it and if they agree have them sign it.

Answer 8

then you cant get a letter of recommendation