Letters of Recommendation

Recommendation letters are weighted heavily for most grad programs. Colleges typically request 3 references and want at least some of them to come from faculty. Work supervisors from jobs in a related field are also a good option.

Tips

• Ask each recommender if he or she would feel comfortable making astrong recommendation
• Make it easy for the letter writer – give them your resume, personal statement, and some work samples. Also provide a stamped, pre-addressed envelope
• Allow 4-6 weeks for a professor to complete a letter. Give him/her a deadline for finishing, and consider making this date earlier than the final due date
• Confirm the grad programs received the letters
• Send thank you letters to your recommenders
• Have a back-up recommender in case of emergency