Letters of recommendation are common in academia – applicants to graduate programs, as well as current students applying for grants or scholarships, must submit reference letters from faculty who can speak to their work and potential.
Securing good recommendations is vital for academic success. As a student asking for one, you don't have any control over what goes in a reference letter, but that doesn't mean that there aren't ways to maximize its effectiveness or prevent problems.
Ask for Reference Letters Early
Ask for reference letters once you decide to apply for admissions or scholarships. Even if you don't know the details about the application yet, it's important to get a commitment as soon as possible.
The more time a referee has to write a letter, the better that letter will likely be. If a referee is forced to write within a tight deadline, he or she may not take the necessary care to craft and effective recommendation on your behalf.
Consider Many Sources for Letters of Recommendation
Try to approach more referees than the minimum needed for admission or scholarship applications. Your first choice(s) may not be available, so it's wise to have a backup or two in case a referee can't follow through at the last minute.
Once you have a surplus of referees, don't be shy about asking each one whether he or she can write you the strongest letter possible. It's better to find out beforehand if a potential referee doesn't feel he knows you well enough to give you the most enthusiastic recommendation.
Generally, it's best to get reference letters from those who know your scholarly work well. But the experience of the referee is also important, so if you've only worked closely with junior instructors, you should try to get a letter from a senior professor as well.
Give Referees as Much Information as Possible
Once the best referees you can find commit to writing letters for you, make their job easier by sending any extra information that can round out their evaluation.
Transcripts – unofficial ones will usually do – will indicate your previous academic performance. Your curriculum vitae (CV) is a clear and simple way to list other relevant accomplishments. A plan of study, or statement of intent, will also give letter-writers a clear sense of what you're applying for.
Don't be afraid to remind referees about details that they can mention. For instance, when getting a letter of recommendation from a professor who gave you a good mark on a term paper, you can help him or her recall how you did (or even send a copy, if it's been some time).
While you can't dictate a letter of recommendation, there are steps that can help you get the best recommendations possible. Giving plenty of notice, considering a range of referees, and getting them information all help. Doing so demonstrates good planning and seriousness of purpose – student qualities that are often praised in recommendations anyway.
Luke Arnott - Luke Arnott has a Master's Degree in Comparative Literature from the University of Western Ontario, where he is currently enrolled in the ...
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