Virginia Undergraduate STEM Research Scholarship Program

A letter of recommendation (letter of rec) is a letter written by someone in your life who can speak to your achievements, positive traits, and potential. It's basically a summary of why you're great and deserve the scholarship or funding you're applying for! Typically, students ask teachers, mentors, coaches, or employers (never family or friends). FYI: You have to ask someone to write a letter of rec for you.

Letters of recommendation typically come from teachers, counselors, coaches, leaders in groups you're a part of—basically any person who knows you well and is NOT a family member.

First, see if it's possible to increase your GPA by the time you need to apply to this program. Knowing that you'll get additional funding with a higher GPA is a great motivator!

If you've had personal struggles that impacted your GPA, you should tell your financial aid office about it. Sometimes, by sharing your story and asking for help, you can get additional support.