Didn't receive scholarship, notify references

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on whether to inform reference writers about not receiving a scholarship after previously thanking them for their support. Participants express differing opinions on the appropriateness of notifying references about the outcome. Some argue that since thank-you emails were already sent, no further communication is necessary, as it could inadvertently make references feel responsible for the outcome. Others suggest that informing them could maintain a connection for future references, but caution that it might come off as awkward or negative. Overall, the consensus leans towards not sending additional updates unless specifically asked.
ehilge
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I have a yes or no question for you guys. I was recently notified that I did not receive a scholarship. Is it proper form to let my reference writers know that I did not receive the award? I did send thank you emails back in January when the application was submitted. I suppose I'm hesitant right now because I'm not sure if my references would think that I'm blaming them for not receiving the scholarship if I notify them that I didn't receive it. I might just be thinking about this to much...
Your thoughts?
 
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If you thanked them, I wouldn't send them anything further.
 
There's nothing wrong with letting them know the outcome and thanking them for their support. After all, you may want them to write another letter, yes?
 
In the opposite stuation - that is, after receving a scholarship - informing them you won would be nice (but not necessary). But in your current situation you already did what was necessary and polite. I would not send anything more (unless someone specifically asked to be informed).

Edit: so, we have two different points of view already presented :wink:
 
Put me down in the "Thank them immediately, then thank them again if you get it" camp.

It sounds a little negative otherwise to my ears.
 
ehilge said:
I have a yes or no question for you guys. I was recently notified that I did not receive a scholarship. Is it proper form to let my reference writers know that I did not receive the award? I did send thank you emails back in January when the application was submitted. I suppose I'm hesitant right now because I'm not sure if my references would think that I'm blaming them for not receiving the scholarship if I notify them that I didn't receive it. I might just be thinking about this to much...
Your thoughts?

I think your instincts are right, it may make them feel somewhat at fault. You don't need to tell them.
 
I'm going to put in another vote for no. I don't see how it could possibly help
 
hmm, curious, I thought the vote would be closer to 50-50. As far as how it could help, I was thinking that the professor might just like to know since he did contribute to the application. Also, I was thinking if I ever go back to him for a reference, it would be good to have some contact with him between references. But once again, I think it might just be awkward and counterproductive. But thanks everyone for you help!

TheLoser: I have absolutely no idea what you're trying to tell me.
 
I agree with the people that said just leave it. If you had gotten the scholarship, it is usually polite to let them know & thank them again. If for whatever reason you do decide to tell them, you'd probably want to be extremely political about it & make sure you choose your words correctly.
 

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