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How important are letters of recommendation?
Letters of recommendation are required for almost every graduate school application and are a very important part of the application process. Generally, the smaller or more competitive the program, the more important letters will be. In larger or less competitive programs, grades and test scores factor in most heavily. However, if you get into the pool of candidates who meet the basic criteria, your letters of recommendation could be the deciding factor in the admission process. Good letters can also outweigh or at least explain deficiencies in other parts of your academic record. Letters are also key to many scholarship competitions or internship selections.
How many letters of recommendation do I need?
Each institution will let you know how many letters it requires. Generally, you will be asked for three letters. Send only the amount of letters requested. Admissions committees do not have enough time to read extra letters.
Whom should I ask for letters of recommendation?
The best letter writers are those that know you well and can provide an evaluation of your ability to perform and succeed at the graduate level, or can discuss your qualification for a scholarship or internship. Take every opportunity to get to know and talk with your professors: go to office hours, ask questions in class, seek advice about your career, do independent research or study with a professor whose recommendation you may want.
Have a group of letter writers--some will be able to help you with scholarships, others with graduate school, others can substitute if your first choices are not available to write a letter.
Here are some thoughts on the best recommendation letter writers:
a. Someone who knows you well
b. Someone with the title of “Professor”. Part time instructors are rarely a good choice.
c. Someone who takes responsibility
for helping students get into graduate school or obtain scholarships or
internships. If they cannot write
clearly or get to class on time, they might not be the best people to trust
with your future. If your professors are
active and publishing in their field, their letters are more likely to carry
weight outside of
d. Someone who has earned the degree that you are seeking in your graduate work. Even better is if that person went to the university you wish to attend.
e. Someone with an advanced degree who has supervised you in a job or internship aligned with the graduate program you are pursuing (e.g., Public Health, Social Work, Business Administration, etc.)
f. Someone who has academically evaluated you in an upper-division class
g. Letters from family friends, co-workers, political figures, and the like usually are discouraged and may, in fact, be detrimental. If your supervisor at work is in a field with no connection to your graduate study or scholarship, they may not help you much. Letters from high school are not good.
How do I approach potential letter writers?
Make a list of professors and/or supervisors who will be your best advocates. Email to speak with the professor. Be prepared to articulate your interest and reasons for attending graduate school or why you think you can obtain the scholarship or internship.
Letters of recommendation are written strictly on a voluntary basis; a faculty member or employer may decline to write them. The best approach is to ask potential letter writers if they are willing to write you a strong letter. If you sense reluctance or the answer is no, ask someone else.
Do not expect to have letters of recommendation done in less than three or four weeks, particularly around the end of each semester. Also, remember that about one half of the requests for letters come in December and January. Plan ahead!
Make sure you fill out any required forms and sign them before giving
them to your professor for the recommendation.
When should I approach letter writers? What if I plan to take some time off before I go to graduate school?
Professors and supervisors want to help you and are pleased to write on your behalf; however, they are usually involved in many activities. Be considerate and courteous of your letter writers’ time and workload, and approach them at least one month in advance of your request.
If you plan to take some time off before going to graduate school, don’t wait until you want to apply to graduate school to discuss your need for letters of recommendation. Your professors could be on sabbatical, or you may not be fresh in their minds anymore. Keep in touch after your graduate prior to requesting the letters.
How can I go about getting better letters of recommendation?
It is pretty simple. Students who participate in class, study hard, and earn good grades get supportive letters of recommendation. The best strategy you can use to get a good letter of recommendation, particularly if a professor does not have a long acquaintance with you, is to provide your letter writer with ample information about you. This way, you will get a letter that includes concrete details about you, instead of a letter that contains only your grade or class rank, which is of limited value.
Even if the professor knows you well, provide the details.
What information do my letter writers need to write good letters?
You can help your letter writers write enlightening letters by giving each of them a portfolio that includes:
1. A cover note that includes:
a. Information on how to get in touch with you
b. What you would like emphasized in each letter
c. A list of schools or scholarships to which you are applying, and due dates, with the earliest due date at the top
d. Any other information that is relevant
2. Recommendation forms make it easy for letter writer to complete forms in a timely manner. For these, complete the following:
a. Applicant information typed in
b. Recommender’s name, title, contact info (telephone, fax, address etc) typed in
3. Your unofficial transcripts (note courses you took with them)
4. A draft of your statement of purpose or application statement
5. A copy of your best work in the course, lab evaluations, projects, publications etc.
6. Your resume or cv
7. Stamped and addressed envelopes to send letters and forms directly schools or scholarship programs of your choice.
Do graduate schools or scholarship organizations care if letters are confidential or not?
In general, graduate programs or scholarship programs prefer confidential letters. Admissions officials say that it displays more confidence on the part of the applicant if letters are “confidential” (meaning you, the applicant cannot see the letter). This means you should waive your right to review the letter. If you have doubts about a professor’s opinion of you, then you should not ask that person to write a letter for you. If the request for a recommendation is accompanied by a form, make sure you sign the form, and neatly fill-in the required information.
Make sure you fill out the portion of the recommendation form required. Most forms ask you to fill in the top portion and sign the form.
Finally, let the letter writer know if you are successful in getting into graduate school, or in obtaining a scholarship or internship. You may need them to write letters in the future.
1/10/08 draft, Steve Phillips, History Department