#Letters of recommendation how to
A copy of your academic vita or résumé (for information on how to create an academic vita, click here).This does not have to be an official copy a photocopy of your record is fine. A current copy of your academic transcript showing the courses you've taken and the level at which you've performed.Ideally, these elements should include some or all of the following items, depending on the letter's purpose: Give your writers a well-organized, thorough packet of materials with all the elements clipped together or contained in a single large envelope (or, if the letter writer prefers, a well-organized set of files emailed to the writer).A minimum of three or four weeks is customary and will allow you to check back a few days before the deadline to ensure that the letter has been sent or faxed. Give your writers plenty of time so they aren't forced to slap together a quick letter or miss any application deadlines.Once you have 3-4 letter writers and a game plan for what you'd like the letters to say, there are two more things you can do to increase your chances of success: Thus, you should discuss the pro's and con's of this approach with your letter writer before adopting such a strategy - each situation is unique, and there is no single best way to proceed. This strategy can be very helpful in some situations, but it is also a double-edged sword that can draw attention to weaknesses in your application. For example, if you received a low Quantitative Graduate Record Exam score due to a family crisis immediately before the test date, your letter writer might mention this and argue that the "A" you received in Statistics is a better measure of your quantitative skill. After all, if you're going to compete with people who have uniformly glowing letters of recommendation, a mildly positive letter from someone who doesn't really know you can actually do more harm than good.Īnother issue is whether letter writers should attempt to address weaknesses in your application. Also, if you're not sure whether prospective letter writers have enough experience with you or have a positive enough impression to write a good letter, there's nothing wrong with asking them whether they would be able to write a strong letter. Have a warm and supportive personal styleīecause the choice of letter writers is important, it's best to begin cultivating personal relationships with potential writers early on.Have worked with you in the past 1-3 years.Have a positive opinion of you and your abilities.Are senior and well known (e.g., a departmental chair).Have relevant expertise (e.g., professors in the case of academic applications).Have known you long enough to write with authority (e.g., academic advisor).Have worked with you closely (e.g., a research supervisor).In general, the best letters of recommendation are from people who:
In such a situation, letters of recommendation can be extremely important. In fact, highly competitive programs may simply use these scores as a screening device to reduce the size of their applicant pool. Although grade point averages and standardized test scores play a central role in graduate admissions and job opportunity, most graduate programs and employers do not base their decisions on numeric scores alone.
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