Almost every graduate program will require letters or forms of recommendation. A recommendation is a detailed statement (usually from a faculty member, supervisor, or employer) of your personal qualities, qualifications, accomplishments, and experiences that make you well qualified for admission into a particular graduate program to which you have applied.
Recommendations are of critical importance to your application materials. While your transcript, test scores, and personal statement/admissions essay carry the most weight, a good letter of recommendation can be the deciding factor in the admission process.
It is important to have good relationships with your references. If you haven’t done so already, begin developing strong relationships with one or two of your professors and employers or supervisors. It will pay off in the long run when they can write you a strong letter of recommendation and help you get into the graduate program of your choice.
How many letters of recommendation will I need?
Each institution will let you know how many letters or forms they require. Most graduate programs require two or more.
Whom should I ask to serve as references?
Deciding whom to ask can be a difficult decision. It is wise to choose references who know you well and can attest to your ability to succeed at the graduate level. References should know you well, have known you long enough to write with authority, be able to describe your work positively, and know your educational and career goals. Best choices for references includes professors and employers or supervisors, particularly those supervisors who have mentored you in volunteer, internship, or paid work related to your graduate field.
When should I approach potential references?
Be courteous and give your references at least one month to prepare your letter or form of recommendation. Keep in mind that your professors and employers/supervisors are busy people.
As the application deadline approaches, contact each of the schools to which you have applied to check on the status of your application file. If any of your recommendation forms or letters have not yet arrived at the school(s), contact your references to gently remind them of the deadline and thank them again for their assistance to you. Those serving as references appreciate the critical nature of their letter/form arriving on time. No doubt your references are very busy professionals; friendly reminders of the deadline can be helpful.
How should I approach potential references?
Decide whom you want to ask, and then schedule an appointment with your potential references to discuss your request in person. Do not make the request via email. Be prepared to articulate your interest and reasons for attending graduate school.
When you meet with them, ask your potential references if they feel they can write you a strong letter of recommendation. Pay attention to their demeanor. If you sense reluctance to write the letter or they say “no,” ask someone else.
What about confidentiality?
A “confidential” letter or form means you, the applicant, cannot see the letter before it is sent to the graduate program. This is typically indicated by the reference sealing the envelope and signing his or her name or initial over the seal.
The recommendation forms supplied by graduate programs require you to decide whether to waive or retain your rights to see the letter of recommendation. As you decide whether to retain your rights, keep in mind that confidential letters tend to carry more weight with admissions committees. Some references will not write a letter unless it is confidential. Others will provide you with a copy of each letter, even if it is confidential. If you are unsure of what to do, discuss it with the person serving as your reference.
elon}
