As you prepare to apply for a master’s program, you may wonder how to ask for a letter of recommendation for graduate school.
Schools sometimes have specific guidelines for letters of recommendation. These requirements may cover who can write a letter of recommendation, what it includes, and how it is submitted.
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Knowing how to ask someone for a letter of recommendation can help make the process seem less like a chore and more like a simple request.
How to Ask for a Letter of Recommendation for Graduate School
As you prepare your application, you can consider who you’ll reach out to for a graduate school letter of recommendation.
First, you can become familiar with the guidelines for letters of recommendation for all of the schools you choose to apply to. Different programs may require letters from academic, professional, personal, or other sources. That will inform you who can write your letter of recommendation.
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You can then reach out to different individuals who can write this letter. It will help to communicate the following information to them:
- The program you are choosing, and why
- What information the letter is required to contain
- The required length of the letter
- The process for submitting the letter
- The deadline for submissions
You may also want to provide your references with information to help them write an accurate letter, such as the dates and names of projects you worked on together.
The people you ask to write a letter of recommendation may have questions for you about your interest in this next step or about the process itself. It is strategic to provide them a way to contact you with any additional questions.
How to Ask a Professor for a Letter of Recommendation
Many grad schools request letters of recommendation from academic sources, such as a professor who can attest to your academic abilities and character.
When asking a professor to write a letter of recommendation, here are some things to mention:
- Why you chose that professor
- Details, such as completed courses or projects, you would like included in the letter
- The letter-writing process and what is expected of them
- That you understand if they have to say “no” to your request
It’s strategic to give a professor plenty of time prior to the deadline to complete the letter. You can also provide your resume to give them an idea of your experience and skill sets.
How to Ask for a Letter of Recommendation via Email
Many experts recommend asking for a letter of recommendation in person, but time and distance can make that difficult.
In some instances, asking for a letter of recommendation via email may be necessary. When asking via email, it’s beneficial to use a polite and professional tone. Using a subject line that includes the words “recommendation letter” lets the recipient be aware of the ask and easily track that conversation.
It’s strategic to explain your plans, why you chose that individual, and what the letter writing process entails. You may also wish to send any links to a prospective program’s guidelines as well.
Who to Ask for a Letter of Recommendation
In addition to knowing how to ask for a letter of recommendation for grad school, it’s helpful to carefully consider who to ask as well.
You can consider who among your connections can best attest to your work ethic, passion for your chosen subject, expertise in practice within that field, and other personal strengths. A strong letter of recommendation is well written and provides examples of your strengths to support the recommendation.
How Long Should a Letter of Recommendation Be for Graduate School?
Recommendation letters are generally 1 page or 2 pages long. The length of a grad school letter of recommendation generally doesn’t matter as much as its content.
While you want the letter writer to communicate clearly and concisely, some extra details may better support your candidacy for grad school. It is beneficial to know what graduate schools look for in a recommendation letter. Your prospective school may also request that specific topics be addressed in the letter of recommendation.
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If your school does not request specific information from recommending parties, it’s common for the letter writer to include how they know you, their title and qualifications, and specific examples of your strengths.
Asking for a Letter of Recommendation for Grad School
Do all graduate schools require recommendation letters for admissions? No, not all grad schools do. A number of graduate schools waive some common admissions requirements. There are graduate schools that don’t require letters of recommendation, as well as graduate schools with low GPA or no GRE score prerequisites. These schools place significant emphasis on alternative admissions criteria.
For grad programs that do require reference letters, knowing how to request a letter of recommendation for grad school can make the process easier for both you and the individual you’re asking to write the letters.
When requesting a letter of recommendation for grad school from someone, it’s recommended that you provide them with the opportunity to say “no” so they don’t feel burdened by the request. It’s also beneficial to make sure the letter writer understands their role in this process as well as any requirements from your school.
Clearly communicating with potential writers is key to ensuring your grad school letters of recommendation both establish you as an ideal candidate and meet any guidelines put forth by your school.
