Letters of recommendation are a critical part of your graduate application, providing insight into your strengths from those who know your work and character well. During the application process, you’ll provide your recommenders name, organization, title, relationship to applicant, email, and phone number—directly within the graduate application.
To make the most of this part of your application, keep the following in mind:
- Choose Your Recommenders Wisely: It's important to ask individuals who are familiar with your academic achievements, work ethic, and potential for success in a graduate program. These may include professors, research advisors, or supervisors from internships or jobs relevant to your field of study. Avoid asking personal contacts or people who may not be able to speak directly to your academic and professional abilities.
- Academic vs. Professional Recommenders: For most programs, a balance of academic and professional recommenders is ideal. Academic recommenders, such as professors or advisors, can speak to your intellectual capabilities, research skills, and how well you perform in an academic setting. Professional recommenders, like supervisors or colleagues, can highlight your work experience, leadership skills, and how you've applied your knowledge in real-world contexts.
- Provide Context: When requesting a letter, be sure to give your recommenders all the information they need to write a strong, personalized letter. Share details about the program you're applying to, your academic and career goals, and any specific achievements you'd like them to emphasize. The more context they have, the better they can tailor their letter to highlight why you’d be a good fit for the program.
- Ask Early: Give your recommenders plenty of time to write thoughtful letters. A last-minute request might not result in the most thorough or glowing recommendation. Aim to ask at least four to six weeks before the application deadline to allow them to craft a strong and detailed letter.
- Follow Up and Thank Them: Be sure to follow up with a polite reminder as the deadline approaches and always thank your recommenders for their time and effort. After all, their endorsement can be a key factor in the admissions process. Reminders can be sent directly from the application status portal once you have submitted your application.
A well-written letter of recommendation can make a significant impact on your application, so be sure to choose individuals who can genuinely speak to your qualifications and readiness for graduate studies.
