Quick Tips: Letters of Recommendation for Graduate/Professional School

When applying to graduate school, your GPA, exam scores and personal statement carry a lot of weight. For many graduate admissions committees, however, your letters of recommendation carry as much, if not more, weight than any of the other criteria. Here are a few quick tips for requesting letters of recommendation for graduate school:

• Many graduate programs will ask for three letters of recommendation. Therefore, you should request letters from at least four individuals, preferably faculty, who have closely observed/supervised your academic work and can speak strongly about your qualifications.
• If you have been out of school for several years, consider asking professionals from your desired field of study who know your professional work or can speak to your qualifications for pursuing graduate work in the field.
• When asking someone for a letter, ask if they are able and willing to write a strong letter of recommendation for you to get into ___ program. Give that person every opportunity to decline gracefully from writing a letter for you. If, for whatever reason, the person is unable or unwilling to write a strong letter on your behalf, thank them for their time, then move on to the next person - the last thing you want is a wishy-washy, lukewarm letter.
• Give your recommenders plenty of notice. Do not expect anyone to be able to write you a strong letter of recommendation if you have given them less than two weeks notice.
• Create a packet of information for each recommender, including a copy of your transcript, a draft of your resume, your personal statement (or at least a draft of one), and a brief description of the program(s) to which you are applying. Also include addressed envelops or specific instructions for how to submit electronic letters.
• Follow up with your recommenders periodically. Don't nag, but gently "nudge" them - ask if there is any additional information they might need from you to assist them in writing the letter; give them finalized or updated versions of your personal statement and/or resume.
• Finally, remember to send a thank you card or a small token of your appreciation to each of your recommenders shortly after they submit the letter and keep them updated on your application status.