Letters of Recommendation for Graduate School
Student Guide
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Typically, graduate schools require that you submit two to three letters of recommendation with
your application. Although grade point averages and Graduate Record Exam (GRE) scores
play a central role in graduate admissions decisions, most graduate programs do not base their
decisions on numeric scores alone. Letters of recommendation provide graduate schools with a
more subjective view of your abilities. If you have the right people saying the right things about
you, your chances for admission are increased. Strong letters of recommendation can often
enhance an otherwise average application.
Each institution may have its own unique requirements - for example, one institution may want
two letters from faculty only, while another might request 3 letters from faculty or work
supervisors. Many schools do not specify who they want to write the letters. Follow each
school's instructions or preferences, but when in doubt it is a good idea to have at least 2 letters
written by faculty members. Also, it is usually best to have a strong letter from someone who
knows your capabilities well, rather than someone with an impressive title who doesn't really
know you. Graduate admissions committees are trying to predict how successful you will be in
their academic programs, so academic references are most important.
As you prepare your application, note that some schools ask that you collect the letters and
submit them with your application, while others ask that the letter writer send them directly to the
school. Be sure to check your application instructions when requesting letters be prepared on
your behalf.
Whom should you ask to write your letters?
To obtain the best possible letters of recommendation, get to know faculty in a way that will
make them believe you are a good candidate for graduate school: You need professors who
know you well and think highly of you. Avoid asking a professor who doesn’t know you very well
(even if you got a good grade in his/her course). This puts the professor in an awkward position
and you are likely to receive a short, noncommittal letter. This can actually hinder your chances
more than help. But, it is best if you get to know three members of the faculty reasonably well.
Don’t restrict your contact to only one faculty member by, for example, doing research with the
same person who is your advisor and also taking only your advisor’s senior seminar classes.
Try to choose faculty who know you in a context that is appropriate to the program to which you
are applying. For instance, if you are applying for an advanced degree in English Literature,
make sure at least one of your references comes from a faculty member in that discipline. It is
fine to request letters from faculty outside your academic area, but make sure the letters reflect
skills (e.g., writing, research, debate, etc.) that you will need in graduate school.
Avoid using references, however glowing they might be, from coaches, internship coordinators
and/or previous employers. An exception: if there was an academic component to your
experience and one of these individuals oversaw your work.
Most importantly, ask only people who are willing to say good things about you! If you're not
sure, ASK. Be straightforward: "Do you feel that you know me well enough to say positive things