Choose recommenders wisely!

• Pick individuals who know you well in a professional context:
  • Likely poor choices:
    • Family member, friends, romantic partners
      
    • People who do not know you well
      
  • Potentially good choices:
    • Professors who have had you as a student for more than one class 
      
    • Direct supervisors of your research or clinical experiences 
      
    • Professional mentors, advisors
      
• Pick individuals who will write highly positive things about you. If you aren't sure, ask the potential writer if they would be able to write a highly positive letter 
  

 Letters of Recommendation

• Be aware of your program's requirements:
  • How many letters are required?
  • How many of those letters have to be academic?
  • Does one of those required letters have to be from a person in a specific field?
• Always ask a potential recommendation writer in person
  • Who are some professors you have interacted with in your field of study or at the university who have had a positive experience with you and your work?
    • Think about advisors, mentors, or instructors who have helped you during your college experience
• Try to give the person writing your letter at least 1 month in advance, but it is always better to give more time
• Consider the regulations of places you are applying to
  • Do they require you to waive your right to view your recommendation letters?
• Ask the right way! You always want positive letters.
  • When you approach a prospective writer, ask, "Do you think you would be able to speak positively about my work?"
• Give your recommendation writer the materials he/she will need to write you an effective letter:
  • Your resume
    
  • Personal statement/Other required essays
    
  • Information about the schools you are applying to 
    
  • Samples of work you have done for them