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Requesting Letters of Recommendation 1

GSU's College of Arts and Sciences emphasizes the importance of letters of recommendation (LOR) in the admissions process, advocating for a holistic review of applicants. To secure strong LORs, candidates should approach potential recommenders professionally, provide ample notice and guidance, and express gratitude. Additionally, applicants should be aware of their rights regarding the visibility of their recommendation letters.

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Moona Novella
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11 views1 page

Requesting Letters of Recommendation 1

GSU's College of Arts and Sciences emphasizes the importance of letters of recommendation (LOR) in the admissions process, advocating for a holistic review of applicants. To secure strong LORs, candidates should approach potential recommenders professionally, provide ample notice and guidance, and express gratitude. Additionally, applicants should be aware of their rights regarding the visibility of their recommendation letters.

Uploaded by

Moona Novella
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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REQUESTING LETTERS OF

RECOMMENDATION
To support diversity and equity in admissions, GSU's College of Arts and
Sciences takes a holistic approach to application review. Along with your
transcripts and personal (or goal) statement, letters of recommendation
(LOR) are an important facet of how you present yourself to the program
review committee.

Through your recommendations, the admission committee should learn


about your academic interactions, aptitude, and potential to succeed from
those with whom you’ve had positive, relevant interactions.

TL;DR

Make your request, be professional and courteous


Know whom to ask, check the guidelines
Be time-conscious, give 6 weeks notice
Guide your recommender, provide adequate information
Be gracious, send a note of gratitude
Send a respectful reminder, if necessary
Know about your right to waive

MAKE YOUR REQUEST

Approach asking for a LOR with professionalism and courtesy. It's best to
ask face-to-face (in person or virtually) or by phone. If that is not an
option, send an email.
A generic recommendation can impact your admission consideration negatively.
Use wording such as "Would you please consider submitting a supportive letter of
recommendation, which speaks to my strengths and academic abilities?" Explain
your interest in the desired program and how you're best suited to learn and grow
at your chosen institution.

Phrase your ask in a manner that allows for the option to decline. Not everyone
has the time or desire to submit a LOR. Remain gracious and thank those who
decline to write a recommendation.

Before you contact prospective recommenders, familiarize yourself with the


submission method. Tell your recommender whether the recommendation should
be submitted online or through the mail. Snail mail is unlikely, but if that is the
required method, provide your recommender with a stamped and addressed
envelope.

KNOW WHOM TO ASK

Ensure you understand the program's requirements


so you know whom you should ask for a LOR.
After reading the guidelines, decide if you will ask
professors, a mentor, university advisor, lab or research
supervisor, or employer. It’s best to avoid personal recommendations.

As the recommendation is an opportunity for faculty or supervisor(s) to promote


your achievements and likely success in a graduate program, give thorough
consideration as to who can best speak to your strengths and meaningful scholarly
contributions. Avoid asking someone who has cause to write a less than favorable
recommendation.

BE TIME-CONSCIOUS

Give your recommender at least six weeks to submit their


recommendation. Less than a month's notice is viewed as unprofessional.
Being considerate of the professor's time shows that you respect and value their
contribution to your success. Allow enough time for your recommender to consider
your request, write, and submit your letter.

If it's application season, faculty may have multiple recommendations to write.


Don’t risk receiving a generic recommendation by requesting one at the last
minute.

GUIDE YOUR RECOMMENDER

The more information you provide your recommender, the more likely they
are to craft a persuasive letter.
Beyond your grade, ask your recommender to include how they know you and
remind them of a time you demonstrated leadership, teaching, or collaboration
skills. Prompt your recommender by highlighting an assignment, research, or paper
that best demonstrates your academic skills and for which you received positive
feedback. Ask them to elaborate on your specific research or academic
accomplishments and provide evaluative comments about your traits and
accomplishments. Don’t be shy when discussing your achievements! You can ask
specific questions to guide the letter such as, “Describe when I took the lead in
[xyz] project/presentation,” using specific assignment details.

Be certain to provide personal information such as


Your personal/goal statement to help your recommender understand how you
present yourself to the admissions or review committee.
Your updated CV/resume, including a list of honors, awards, recognitions
Specific research projects, poster presentations, or conference papers
Your writing statement or portfolio

Don’t forget to outline practical information like:


Program, degree, and university
Deadlines and the submission instructions
Your entire application if you feel comfortable

BE GRACIOUS

Show gratitude to your recommenders by sending a note of thanks; decide


whether you’ll send when the recommender agrees or once they submit.

Once admitted, follow up with the recommender to convey your appreciation of


their support in your academic goals, and stay in touch with them; some may be
your colleagues soon, so you're also broadening your professional network.

Repay the favor! One day you may be approached to write a letter for a student or
colleague.

SEND A RESPECTFUL REMINDER

If your recommendation deadline approaches without a


submission, send a polite reminder.
Remember to thank the recommender again for their support and remind them how
and where to submit.

Most programs at GSU won’t penalize you for a missing recommendation letter;
however, it doesn't hurt to ask one more than the required number of
recommenders just in case someone forgets or is unable to submit. It's better to
have an extra recommendation than not enough.

KNOW ABOUT YOUR RIGHT TO WAIVE

When applying to GSU, you can opt to waive your rights


to view your letters.

If you choose not to waive your rights, ask the recommender if they are willing to
share a copy of their letter with you.

Read disclosures on the applications and other documentation regarding


entities collecting information about you to determine what rights of access you
may have to information that is collected and maintained about you.

ADAPTED FROM

Rice University: Grad Applications 101: Getting Letters of Rec


Northeastern University: How to Request a Grad School Recommendation Letter

QUESTIONS?

Contact the Office of Graduate Services.

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