Etiquette for what to do after not winning a scholarship

Paying for College
1

So, I was nominated for a big national scholarship (the Goldwater) and everyone made a big deal about it, but turns out I didn’t win or even get an honorable mention. So… I kind of don’t know what to do now. I already received an email from the advisor who helped me apply, and I replied to it saying it’s ok I didn’t win but thanking her for her help with the application.

Now, is it good etiquette to send an email to or come in to talk to the professors who wrote me recommendation letters? I’m a very awkward person and I’d hate to walk in and say “Hey, I didn’t get the scholarship, but thanks anyway…” and I’ve already sent them various thank you notes after they submitted letters. But, on the other hand, I don’t want to leave them hanging and just never tell them the outcome. One of them will find out soon anyway because I see her in my research lab, but idk about the others…

2

Thank you are always nice.

3

If you sent thank you notes after the letters were written, I think that is enough.

4

I write a lot of rec letters for students and always appreciate being notified of the outcome. It gives me a better sense of how to manage expectations and how to advise future students. For these types of fellowships, it is a lot of effort to write good letters. Depending on your relationship with the recommenders, I don’t think it’s a bad idea to let them know of the outcome.

5

If it would be awkward for you to go see those who wrote your recommendations in person, just send an e-mail letting them know the outcome and thanking them for their help. I don’t think it’s a requirement, but it would be the nice thing to do.

6

I would definitely write e-mails to the professors who recommended you letting them know that while you didn’t receive the scholarship, you were tremendously honored to have been nominated and very grateful for their support. Then, if you have anything else to update them on (graduation plans, etc) let them know that information too. You may need them to write for you at a later date in some other context, and you want them to know their work was appreciated and that you are handling the situation gracefully.