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Whether you’re a high school student headed to college or a college undergraduate preparing for grad school, letters of recommendation are often a requirement to advance to the next stage of your academic journey.
However, asking a teacher or professor for a letter of recommendation can be intimidating, whether in-person or via email. But fear not—we’ll walk you through the ins and outs of asking for letters of recommendation to help you gain acceptance to the college or graduate school of your choice.
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What Is a Letter of Recommendation?
A letter of recommendation is a formal letter written by someone in a position of authority, such as a teacher, to provide testimony regarding your abilities, achievements and character.
Colleges and universities ask for letters of recommendation because they give admissions officers a well-rounded picture of you. Recommendation letters can provide more insight into your personality and abilities beyond your transcript and extracurriculars and set you apart from other applicants.
The number of recommendation letters you need can vary, so verifying each school’s requirements is important. One to three letters are typically required, but two to three is the standard. Consider two letters as your minimum and a third letter as a backup or supplementary perspective to offer the admissions committee further insight into your qualities and achievements.
Who Should Write Your Recommendation Letter?
Someone who knows you well academically is best suited to write your recommendation letter. Typically professors and teachers fill this role. However, coaches, counselors and club advisors can be potential candidates, especially if they know you in multiple settings, such as in the classroom or an extracurricular club.
Employers or supervisors at your workplace are possibilities for a secondary letter if they have firsthand experience of your abilities and accomplishments.
Remember to review the school’s application requirements to see if they want recommendation letters from specific people, such as a core subject teacher or a school counselor. Letters of recommendation for graduate school may need to come from undergraduate professors.
How to Ask for a Letter of Recommendation
Give Plenty of Notice
Teachers usually have multiple recommendation letters to write, so give them as much advance notice as possible. Giving them a month before the due date is the minimum, but providing six to eight weeks of notice is even better.
For high school seniors, the beginning of the school year is an optimum time to ask for recommendations, particularly if you are considering applying for early decision. The more time your references have, the greater your chance of receiving a sincere, thorough letter.
Ask in Person if Possible
If possible, speak with your prospective recommenders in person before you send them your written request for a letter of recommendation. Before your conversation, rehearse and prepare your “pitch” to clearly and succinctly outline the purpose of your application and why you’re seeking their recommendation.
Also, meeting your recommenders in person can help them recall their experience with you in their class, which can be beneficial when they write your letter.
At first, you may feel shy about requesting such a favor. But remember that teachers and professors receive these requests frequently, and writing letters of recommendation is common practice in this field.
Send a Formal Request
Send a well-written request to each person who agreed to write you a letter by email. Your email subject line should read “Request for Letter of Recommendation” or something similar. Remind them of who you are and the college you’re applying to. Provide a deadline and an option to decline your request.
Supply Helpful Materials
Provide a copy of your current resume to the person writing the letter. Consider including a sheet highlighting key school courses or projects you’ve worked on, relevant work experience, specific character attributes or academic accomplishments and any long-term goals relevant to the recommendation. This information can help jog the writer’s memory and provide them with details that can add a more personal touch to the letter of recommendation.
Follow Up
It’s always a good idea to send your references a short, polite reminder one to two weeks before the due date. Following up is also an opportunity to ask if they need additional information from you.
Say Thank You
Send a thank you in writing to everyone who submitted a letter for you. A handwritten note is the best option. Sending your note by email is the next best option. Do not send a thank you note by text message. Lastly, don’t forget to share the good news of your acceptance to the school with your recommenders.
Tips for the Recommendation Letter Process
Waive Your Right to View
We recommend waiving your right to view your recommendation on your application form since letters of recommendation are typically considered confidential. Admissions officers may view them as more trustworthy if they know you haven’t seen them.
Prepare for a “No”
No one is obligated to write you a letter of recommendation. People may decline your request for various reasons. For instance, some teachers decide to only write a certain number of recommendations each year and may have reached their quota.
Also, if someone you ask for a reference hesitates, it’s a sign that they aren’t a good fit. They may not know you well enough to speak to your qualifications.
Be prepared with alternatives. If anyone declines your request, take it graciously, thank the person and reach out to the next person on your list. If you don’t have an alternative, a guidance counselor or academic advisor can help you think of someone.
Update Your References
You should update those who have written your letter of recommendation. Your updates can include informing them of your acceptance to a college and other important achievements. Keeping your references updated is a polite gesture since they are essential to the application process.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About How to Ask for a Letter of Recommendation
How do you ask for a letter of recommendation via email?
When writing a letter of recommendation via email, keep it short and formal. Include a direct subject line such as “Request for Letter of Recommendation” and a formal salutation and closing. Use the first paragraph to reintroduce yourself to the recommender and your second paragraph to make the request. Ensure that you provide a clear deadline.
How do you politely ask for a recommendation letter from a professor?
Show your appreciation for your recommender’s time by giving plenty of advance notice. Whether approaching the request in writing or in person, maintain a polite and professional demeanor. Clearly, explain why you have chosen them as a recommender, what information you expect the letter to include and details on where to send the letter.
How long before the due date should you ask for a letter of recommendation?
A generous lead time is essential when asking for a letter of recommendation. Give your letter writers at least one month before the due date—and preferably longer. Ensure the date is clear in all your communication with the recommender.
