Strong letters of recommendation are extremely important to most scholarships. In a big university like Berkeley, however, where students are often taught by graduate students or other academic personnel, rather than by tenured professors, it is extremely important to make a point of establishing relationships with your professors as early as possible in your academic career. Attend office hours and engage in discussions outside of class. Participate in Freshman and Sophomore Seminar courses, where enrollment is limited to 15-25 students, the Undergraduate Research Apprenticeship Program, which matches undergraduates with faculty doing research, the Haas Scholars Program, which funds independent research projects under the guidance of faculty mentors, or other undergraduate research opportunities. Even if there are no formal or funded research opportunities in your area of study, you still can and should pursue opportunities to carry out independent research under faculty guidance via independent study courses or junior/senior honors theses.
Letters should come from professors who are familiar not only with your academic abilities, but also with your personal interests and background, and how those relate to your potential success. Although recommenders should consider what each scholarship is looking for, they should not feel compelled to address every aspect of the scholarship profile. Recommenders should address only those elements of your application on which they can comment confidently. Effective letters of recommendation are detailed, specific, and contextualize your achievements. It is helpful if the recommender can attest to the appropriateness of your proposed program or suitability to the award.
Ideally, you’ll have a letter from a full professor, known in her/his field, who knows you well. Students often ask if letters from Graduate Student Instructors (GSIs) are appropriate. According to one foundation, "Letters from people who know you well are far more valuable than letters from well-known people who know you less well and who might write, at best, a form-like letter." Note that, sometimes, professors are willing to cosign letters written by GSIs. But whenever possible, letters written by faculty are preferable. Generally, letters from college (rather than high school) instructors are preferable. Non-academic letters should discuss your volunteer and/or leadership experience. Do not use letters from relatives or family friends.
Approach letter-writers as soon as possible. Remember that professors and other instructors are quite busy and will need some time, usually a few weeks, to work on a good letter of recommendation. When you are approaching the recommender, discuss your plans and let them know what you hope to study and why you want to apply. These discussions may help you clarify your plans and will help reestablish your relationships with your recommenders. Provide them with a written description of the scholarship and copies of your personal statement, proposed academic program, transcripts and activities/honors list. Do not leave the forms in their mailboxes, and, to ensure effective letters, don’t wait until the last minute. Much of the anxiety that comes from asking for letters of recommendation can be relieved by planning ahead and giving recommenders plenty of time to write an awesome letter.
Many students find the Career Center's letter service to be a great convenience. The letter service enables students to collect letters as they progress through their undergraduate education. The Career Center's service is specifically designed for students applying to graduate or professional school, but they have forwarded letters to scholarship agencies in the past. Although, letters utilizing this service for presigious scholarship competitions are not always advisable.