Strong letters of recommendation are crucial for making a compelling application to graduate or professional school. However, if you’re an introvert like me, the idea of asking professors for endorsements might feel daunting.
Here are some practical tips to help you secure the best possible recommendations and feel more confident going into the process:
1. Choose Your Recommenders Wisely
This piece of advice is the most important, especially if you’re preparing applications for the top schools in your field. When thinking about the people you would like to write on your behalf, you want to select the professors and research advisors who know you well. These individuals will have supervised your work and can best speak to your research interests, skills, and abilities. Additionally, you’ll want to avoid generic letters, even if they come from well-known people, since they are less effective than a detailed, enthusiastic one from someone who truly knows you.
2. Ask Early
Asking your recommenders to write for you 4-6 weeks before your program deadline(s) is both conscientious and courteous. Giving your recommender enough time allows them to write a thoughtful letter.
3. Make It Easy for Them
When asking a professor or work supervisor to recommend you, you’ll want to make it easy on them. The best way to do this is to provide them with a letter-writing packet that includes:
- A list of programs you're applying to, including deadlines and submission instructions. Some programs ask that you upload the details of your recommenders so that an automated system can send an upload link to your recommender(s). If this is the case, you’ll want to indicate to your recommender that this is a part of the process and that they should expect to receive a link.
- Your resume/CV so they can reference your experiences.
- A statement of purpose or personal statement (even in draft form) to help them align their letter with your goals.
You’ll want to remind the potential recommender of any specific projects, papers, or classwork that you’ve completed under their supervision, but ideally, your recommender should remember these instances where you’ve collaborated with them or produced research under their supervision. Nonetheless, it never hurts to remind a potential recommender of the specific details of a project you completed under their supervision six months ago, especially if they typically work with several students.
4. Ask for Support In-Person or by Email
Asking a professor or work supervisor to recommend you in-person allows you to gauge their willingness to write on your behalf. Sometimes, though, it may be preferable, or even more efficient, to email the potential recommender your request so that they have enough time to properly consider and respond to your request. This way, there is a digital record of your request, and the recommender has all the details in one place. Regardless of how you ask someone to write on your behalf, it is essential that you remain polite and professional. Whether in-person or by email, it would be worthwhile to state why you would value their recommendation as part of your application.
On the off chance that a recommender declines to write on your behalf, don’t be discouraged. In fact, they may have done you a favor by allowing you to seek a stronger letter elsewhere. Express your gratitude for their time and consideration, then move forward with confidence!
5. Follow Up and Send Reminders
Once your recommender has confirmed their willingness to write on your behalf and has had ample time to prepare, follow up a week before the deadline if they haven’t yet submitted the letter. A courteous reminder can help ensure everything stays on track. Make sure to keep your message respectful and appreciative, ensuring it comes across as a helpful nudge rather than a pushy request.
6. Show Gratitude
After your recommender submits their letter, be sure to express your gratitude. A handwritten thank-you note is ideal and just a few minutes of effort can leave a lasting impression. If that’s not feasible, a sincere email or phone call is also a thoughtful way to show your appreciation and will make all the difference.
7. Finally, be sure to update your recommenders on the outcome of your application(s)
Too often, recommenders submit letters on behalf of students without ever hearing back about the results. Keeping them informed not only shows appreciation but will also strengthen your relationship. Since they took the time to support you, it's important to keep them in the loop.
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