WHO SHOULD I ASK TO WRITE MY LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION?
If you must submit three letters of recommendation, at least TWO should be from professors or instructors who know your individual work very well.
Ideally, you should have taken more than one class with that instructor, so he or she can write about your work IN DETAIL.
Note: Even if your recommender is supportive of your efforts, but does not know you very well, she or he cannot provide the kind of letter you need to accomplish your goal of getting into the department or school of your choosing.

WHAT IS THE GOAL OF A LETTER OF RECOMMENDATION?
1. Ideally, you want letters based on personal knowledge of your exemplary performance as a student.

2. If you get a letter from someone who knows and likes you, but has only a casual knowledge of your actual academic performance, such a letter may be considered “neutral” rather than helpful.

Note: Just having been in someone’s class may not be enough. You may have to remind the professor of what you specifically accomplished in his or her class. (Remember, instructors have many students.)

HOW DO I REQUEST A LETTER OF RECOMMENDATION?
1. Try to make the request in a timely manner. If at all possible, give the professor at least two weeks to write it BEFORE you need to mail it out.

2. Type your request neatly in the form of a business letter (not a scrawled Post-It Note or a hasty email). Demonstrate your professionalism.

3. In the letter, list the names and addresses of the schools to which you want the letters sent.

4. Neatly paperclip the appropriate forms. Be sure to fill out the top portion regarding your information and the professor’s name and title, etc. Sign your portion of the form.

5. Make Xerox copies of the forms and keep in a folder, in case the originals get lost.

WHAT SHOULD MY REQUEST LETTER INCLUDE?
In your request letter, list the following:

     1. When you took course(s) with the professor. Be specific as to the term and year.

     2. What you accomplished in the class. Again, be as specific as possible.

             1. For instance, did you bring your grades up by the end of the course?

             2. Did you overcome shyness and become a good participant in class discussions?

             3. What grade did you receive? Did you get it in spite of difficult circumstances at                  home or in other classes?

             4. Did you write an excellent paper? If you, remind the professor of the grade and the                  topic.

     3. Indicate your overall research and/or study interests and major; also include your future         academic and career plans. Be as specific as possible.

     4. Indicate the date by which you hope the professor may write the letters for you.

             1. (Remember, you have to accommodate his or her schedule. They are not obligated                  to accommodate yours. So do NOT wait until the last minute!)

     5. Thank the professor for his or her assistance.

     6. Provide envelopes for all letters you request.

             1. If not provided in the application packet, purchase business envelopes of your own.

     7. Neatly type all address information. Be sure to clip the correct envelope to the correct          form!

             1. In short, do not expect your instructor to do all of the “busy work” of typing the                  forms and envelopes.

Remember, letters of recommendation are a crucial part of an application. You need letters from people who can speak on your behalf and get beyond superficial remarks.