Preparing well in advance is strongly suggested so that unanticipated delays with letters of reference, mailings and official transcripts, for example, don’t ruin one’s chances. Required documents must be ready by set deadlines.
As for letters of reference, students should provide the individuals they have asked to support them with the necessary information regarding their studies and their activities, with special requirements of the scholarship and with those examples of social involvement that make them the ideal candidate for an award. A point form summary of what you want mentioned is very helpful to the writer of any reference letter. Be aware that it can take a number of hours to write a Reference Letter - so give plenty of time to the person who is writing the letter.