Should You Share Your Fellowship Denial Feedback with Letter of Recommendation Writers?

When you have faced a disappointing setback with a fellowship or scholarship application, it's natural to consider various ways to improve for the future. One strategic approach might be to share the feedback directly with the faculty members or professionals who agreed to write letters of recommendation for you. But is this really appropriate? This article explores the pros and cons and provides actionable guidance on how to handle this situation.

The Context

With increasing competitiveness in the academic and research arenas, many students and researchers face the reality of being denied fellowships or scholarships. While such rejections can be discouraging, they often provide valuable insights that can be used to make future applications more successful. However, the decision of whether to share the detailed feedback from the rejection process with your recommenders requires careful consideration.

Is It Appropriate to Share Feedback?

There are several factors to consider before deciding to share your rejection feedback. Here are some points to ponder:

Professional Communication: The recommenders are professionals, and they understand that the application process is complex and challenging. If you approach the discussion with respect and professionalism, it's likely to be well-received. Usefulness of Feedback: The feedback can provide actionable insights that improve the quality of your next application. Sharing this information might help your recommenders better tailor their letters to your strengths and achievements. Time Constraints: Recommenders often have a heavy workload. If you understand their time constraints and communicate your request in a way that aligns with their schedule, it might be more beneficial.

While there is no one-size-fits-all answer, in many cases, sharing the feedback can be highly beneficial. It can foster a more productive and transparent relationship between you and your recommenders, and it may lead to better support in the future.

How to Share the Feedback

Here’s a suggested approach to sharing your fellowship denial feedback:

Prepare a Concise Summary: Compile a summary of the key points in the feedback. Avoid diving into overly detailed technical aspects unless they relate directly to what the recommenders can influence. This summary will give them a clear understanding of the issues. Pick an Appropriate Time: Make sure you choose a time when the recommenders are less busy. Avoid times immediately before or during important deadlines or grant submissions. Express Your Gratitude: Start by thanking them for their support and recognize the time and effort they have already invested in writing letters for you. This sets a positive tone for the conversation. Discuss Possible Improvements: Using the feedback, propose ways in which they can better support your applications. Highlight specific examples from your experiences and previous applications where their support would have made a significant difference. Seek Their Feedback: Ask for their thoughts on the situation. They may have valuable insights and perspectives you hadn't considered.

By approaching the conversation thoughtfully, you can ensure that the feedback is received positively and contributes to improved future applications.

Conclusion

Sharing your fellowship denial feedback with letter of recommendation writers can be a strategic move for future success. While it's important to consider their busy schedules and professional responsibilities, there are numerous benefits to leveraging this feedback. Approach the conversation with professionalism and gratitude, and you can foster a more productive and supportive relationship with your recommenders.

Related Keywords

Keywords: fellowship denial, letter of recommendation, feedback