Dear Recommender,
Thank you for your willingness to serve as a referee for one of the applicants for the Rhodes Scholarship. References form a crucial part of the selection process, and therefore your reference could make the difference to an applicant’s success. Please use this form to submit your letter of recommendation for applicants to the Rhodes Scholarship program.
The Committee is looking for outstanding young people who are motivated to engage with the global challenges facing humankind, who are committed to the service of others, and to the promotion of international understanding and peace. In short, candidates will be young people of outstanding intellect, character, leadership, and commitment to service, who demonstrate a strong propensity to emerge as 'leaders for the world’s future', wherever their careers might take them, and in any field.
Academic referees: If you are primarily acquainted with the candidate through a teacher/student relationship, it is expected that your appraisal will concentrate first and primarily on academic quality and potential, although your assessment of other qualities will be welcomed by the Committee. Academic referees should note that, in the case of a successful applicant, your letter will be used by departments and colleges for determining the Scholar-elect’s academic case for admission to postgraduate study. Consequently, a detailed assessment of the candidate’s academic qualifications and suitability to undertake master’s /doctoral-level study will be very important. Since the universities require the following information from referees writing in support of graduate applicants, you are also asked to comment on:
a. The applicant’s relative academic standing in comparison with other students on the same course at the same institution – e.g. top 5%, 10%, 25%?
b. How many students in the applicant’s year group on their programme of study, i.e. with how many students are you comparing the applicant?
c. On what basis are you making the assessment - personal assessment/official class rank?
Character referees: If you are better acquainted with the applicant through non-academic interests, it is expected that you will concentrate on assessment of character and non-academic qualities, in the knowledge that the Committee is looking for scholars who show promise of outstanding achievement in later life.
Please do not hesitate to speak of the applicant’s limitations as well as strong points. Committees tend naturally to be dubious of appraisals that imply a given individual has no limitations. Your reply will, of course, be treated as strictly confidential by the Selection Committee. You can view more guidance on the letter at https://www.rhodeshouse.ox.ac.uk/media/46349/usa-guidance-for-referees.pdf
If you have any questions or difficulty submitting your recommendation using this form, you can email it directly to Alicia Hayes at ourscholarships@berkeley.edu
All letters are due no later than noon, August 15, 2024.
Thank you!