Recommendation Letters: How to Ask for Them Baltimore MD

Recommendation Letters: How to Ask for Them

Writing a recommendation requires considerable effort. Don't just blurt out a request to a supervisor or instructor you see walking down the hallway. Choose your letter writers carefully, and plan out your timing and approach. Most importantly, don't procrastinate.

Ask someone who knows you well
When deciding on whom to ask, don't simply think of those classes in which you have done well: think of instructors or supervisors who are most familiar with your work and achievements. Readers look for evidence of the letter writer's familiarity with your work. Without it, the letter lacks credibility.

While you might be tempted to request a letter from a tenured academic superstar, refrain from doing so unless you know the recommendation will be strong. An impressive signature will not compensate for a lukewarm letter.

Ask early
Don't wait until the last minute. Instructors are flooded with recommendation requests at the end of the semester (as well as near application deadlines), and you don't want your letter to suffer as a result. If you approach your instructor a few months before the deadline, you will avoid putting him or her under pressure, and you give him/her plenty of time to ponder your performance. As the deadline approaches, you can always send the writer a friendly reminder of the impending deadline.

Ask personally
When seeking a recommendation, don't send an e-mail or leave a voicemail.

Author: Alan Frost

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