References & Letters of Recommendation

References & Letters of Recommendation

Whom to ask for reference and letters of recommendation? • They must: • Know you well (e.g., taken for multiple classes, done a directed study with, talk outside of class) • Have known you for a prolonged period of time • Know your work • Know your educational and career goals • Have a high opinion of you and your work • Be able to write a good letter

Information About You YouMUST Provide T0 References & Letter Writers • Resume/vita • Courses you have taken with them • Professional goals/personal statement • Description of job/program • Copy of application recommendation forms and envelopes if applicable • Note – online is preferred!!!! • Due date for the application or when they might expect to be contacted for reference check • Spreadsheet with due dates is helpful if you are applying to a large number of jobs/schools

Example

Information About You that is helpful • Research or other “out of class” experiences (e.g., internships) • Honors you’ve won • Work experience

Other suggestions • Make an appointment to ask each person who you want to serve as a reference • Give references lots of time (3-4 weeks at minimum) • Ask for references early in the semester • Always waive access to letters of recommendation • Remind references of due dates • Contact graduate programs to make sure references have arrived

How to make your potential references Mad (and not be a reference) • DO NOT DO THESE THINGS: • Ask only over e-mail (unless the person is no longer at Albion College or you are no longer at Albion) • If you use e-mail:

How to make your potential references Mad (and not be a reference) • DO NOT DO THESE THINGS: • Slide recommendation letters under the door • Give 2 days notice • Unorganized and hard to follow materials • Give letter writers everything at once

Please remember… • Professors are not required to write letters of recommendation for students • Professors write letters for students because they want to help them succeed and care about their future • Receiving a letter of support from a faculty member should be considered an honor, not an entitlement • Showing appreciation can go a long way toward getting go (even a simple “Thank you” can go a long way!)

Please remember… It takes time to write a good letter of support for a student

Finally • Let your letter writers know what programs you are admitted to and/or what jobs you get. • We just spent a bunch of time writing a letter for you and would love to know about the wonderful things you are doing.

For more information… http://gradschool.about.com/od/askingforletters/ht/howletter.htm

References & Letters of Recommendation