BRIDGE PSYCHOLOGY NETWORK
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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
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  • Home
  • Network Aims
  • Networked Program Directory
  • For Students
    • Communication
    • Considering graduate education
    • Preparing >
      • Clinical Experiences
      • Research Opportunities
      • GRE
      • Mentors
      • Potential Letter Writers
      • Developing a List of Potential Programs (and Mentors)
      • Networking Tips
    • Your Application Year >
      • Personal Statement
      • Letters of Recommendation
      • CV
      • Interviews
      • Decision Time
      • Stress management
  • Join us!
  • Calendar
  • Diversity-focused job opportunities
  • Networked Program Directory