REQUESTING LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION
Most faculty members are happy to provide letters of recommendation for professional/graduate schools. To help them provide the best letter of recommendation possible, there are several things that you can do.
- Provide the evaluator the appropriate forms and any other information from the school/professional program. Should the information include information about your personal qualities, academic performance, research experience, and extracurricular activities? Should the letter be typed on letterhead stationary or written on a standardized form?
- Provide the address to which the letter should be sent. Double check that the information provided is complete and accurate.
- Indicate the deadline for receipt of the recommendation.
- Provide a recent copy of your transcripts and a current copy of your resume if you have one. If a resume is not available, provide the evaluator a list of research experiences, extracurricular activities, etc. that you have participated in.
- Give your current phone number and email address so that the evaluator can contact you if questions arise.
- When you contact the evaluator, remind him/her in writing of the classes, clubs, or activities in which you have interacted. Mention any unusual events or experiences that you share in common.
- Check back with the evaluator as the deadline nears to make sure that the evaluation has been sent.
- Provide the evaluator the recommendation well ahead of the deadline.
If you have taken these steps, the evaluator will be able to mention that you are a responsible, organized person.