Who should write your graduate letters of recommendation?

Identifying your letter writers for grad school applications is a critical step in the application process. Here is a little known secret: Your graduate application LoRs weigh much more heavily in the admissions process than your undergraduate application LoRs! Here’s a guide to help you select the best possible recommenders – and make sure your letter writers have a positive impact on your admissibility:

Understand the requirements

• Check program requirements. Different programs may have specific requirements for who should write your letters. Some might prefer academic references, while others may value professional or research-oriented ones. Follow instructions! You’d be surprised how many applicants fail to follow simple instructions on an application.
• Number of letters. Most programs require two to three letters of recommendation. Can you submit more? Usually! The best rule of thumb is to submit X or X+1 LoRs. That is, if the graduate program requires two letters, you should submit two (or three at most). And if the application specifically states that the program will not accept more than X LoRs, be sure not to submit additional letters. (See above where we indicate how important it is to follow instructions.)

Consider your options

• Professors and instructors. Ideally, choose those who have taught you in advanced courses related to your field of study. They can provide insight into your academic abilities and intellectual potential. Is it better to choose a famous professor with tenure compared to an adjunct professor? What about a current Ph.D. student who taught you in a weekly small section, and thus knows you best?
• Research supervisors. If you’ve engaged in research, supervisors can speak to your skills, work ethic and contributions to the field. These professors tend to write stronger, better letters than those who simply taught you in a class, unless it was a small class where you actively participated and/or attended weekly office hours.
• Employers or professional contacts. If you have relevant work experience, including summer internships while an undergrad, a supervisor or colleague who understands your professional skills and work ethic can be a strong choice.
• Mentors. Advisors or mentors – such as academic advisers and deans at your college – who know you well can provide a comprehensive view of your strengths and potential. While these mentors might not speak to your intellectual capabilities in a particular field of study, they can highlight other strengths: perhaps your personality, likability, persistence, determination, grit and similar characteristics that will allow you to succeed in graduate school.

Evaluate the relationship

• Depth of relationship. Choose individuals who know you well and can provide detailed, personalized insights into your abilities and character. This is critical; a letter from a famous person who is a friend of a friend whom you’ve only met once will have no depth – that will not help your application positively.
• Positive interactions. Select letter writers with whom you’ve had positive interactions and who have shown support for your academic and professional goals. You’ll be the best judge of this based on your relationships.

Make the request

• Ask early. Give your recommenders plenty of time to write a thoughtful letter. Aim to ask at least six to eight weeks before the deadline, but preferably even more time than that. Your letter writers lead busy lives and they’ll write a better letter if they have a longer lead time. (But don’t be shy about asking to make sure it has been written and submitted.) And when you ask, make sure to inquire if the LoR writer can write a “positive” reference. If you sense any hesitation, you should look elsewhere.
• Provide context. When asking, provide recommenders with your resume, a summary of your academic and professional achievements, and details about the program(s) you’re applying to. Highlight specific aspects you’d like them to focus on.

Tips for strong letters of recommendation

• Personalized content. Letters should highlight specific examples of your skills, achievements and character – as well as how long s/he has known you and in what context.
• Relevance. Recommenders should tailor their letters to reflect the skills and experiences most relevant to the grad programs to which you are applying.
• Consistency. Choose recommenders who can collectively provide a well-rounded view of your qualifications.That is, they shouldn’t all say the same thing about you! Give graduate admissions committees a fuller sense of who you are as an applicant.

Ready to secure strong recommendations? Book your introductory call with us today to get expert advice on choosing and approaching your recommenders.