Letters
of Recommendation
Letters of
recommendation from faculty members are very important because
you teachers are in the best position to assess your ability to
do advanced academic work. Obviously you will want to approach
faculty members in whose classes you have done well. You
want people who know you personally, hence the importance of talking
with your teachers, both as you take their classes and afterward,
when you seek advice on possible graduate programs. Since initiative
and independent thinking are the hallmarks of a good graduate
student, you need to display these characteristics at the undergraduate
level, and you can do that by asking intelligent questions in
class, discussing your exams with faculty members during office
hours, and seeking advice about your future career. If you
have worked with a staff member in an area directly related to
your field (job or organization related), you can ask them for
a letter of reference as well.
A good way
to get to know faculty members is by doing research with them.
Many institutions have programs that recruit undergraduate students
to serve as research assistants. There are two advantages to this.
One, you are able to develop a close working relationship with
a faculty member and two, you have the chance to gain valuable
experience doing the kind of research that characterizes graduate
work.
How
do I Ask for a Letter of Recommendation?
If you do
not know the professor well, set up an initial meeting with them
to discuss your interest in graduate work. Be well prepared to
speak with them about all aspects of your decision and to display
your commitment to the process of applying. Some hints: Introduce
yourself and remind them of their relationship with you
(in class, on a project, volunteer work, etc.). Recall information
learned and how well you performed during the relationship. Talk
to them about your decision to go to graduate school and why you
have chosen this path. Talk to them about potential schools/programs
that you are looking into and the faculty who you would like to
work with. Ask them about other schools they might recommend to
you. Do they know other faculty in your interest area? What are
their suggestions on the process of applying?
After speaking
with them, wind up the meeting by asking if they would feel comfortable
writing you a supportive letter of recommendation. Tell them that
you will provide them with information about yourself (resume),
samples of your work, deadlines for schools, and self-addressed
and stamped envelopes if needed. Let them know the number of schools
you will be applying to and, if they say yes, ask them about the
time frame that would be best for them.
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What
Should I Give the Professors Before They Write my Recommendations?
Make the
application process as easy as you can for the recommender. For
instance, on virtually all recommendation forms, there is a portion
that asks for the applicant's name and other vital information.
Before you leave this form with your recommender, first be sure
you complete this portion of the form. Sign any statements, provide
a copy of your resume, provide writing samples or examples
of work (if needed), and if you can, provide them with an appropriately
addressed, stamped envelope to use to mail the form with it is
complete. If you are asking them to write to a lot of universities,
provide a comprehensive list with deadlines. Be sure to
follow up with them.
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