Letters of Recommendation (LOR)
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What are letters of recommendation?
What are letters of recommendation?
Letters of recommendation (LOR) play a crucial role in graduate school applications because they provide insight into an applicant's abilities, character, and potential outside of GPA and test scores, and from the perspective of professors or professionals. Strong recommendations can significantly strengthen an application by highlighting the applicant's readiness for advanced study and their potential to contribute meaningfully to the program.
Template for asking for a LOR
Dear Professor/Dr./Ms./Mr./[Name],
(If reaching out through written message) I hope you are doing well.
I was in your...
[Name of course or extracurricular] and
[explain why your experience with them contributed to your academic / career growth].
I'm reaching out to you because I am applying for graduate school [ program and school] I was wondering if you were comfortable writing a strong letter of recommendation on my behalf. I think you would be a great person to attest to my skills.
[ End with thanking them for their time and consideration]
FAQs
Q: How do you ask for a LOR?
Q: How do you ask for a LOR?
Step 1:
Think of a minimum of 5 to 6 people to ask by
Step 2:
Prepare resume & statement of purpose. Additional info may be needed to craft your letter.
Step 3:
Send them an email or meet them in person. Make sure you ask them several months in advance.
Step 4:
Thank them!
Q: When should I ask?
Due dates can be as early as December!
The earlier, the better. If you ask too late, you may put pressure on the writer due to time constraints. Providing at least one to two months before the required due date is adequate.
For example, if the person you are asking is a school faculty member, avoid asking during stressful times of the school year such as midterm/finals season or heavy grading periods.
Q: How do I build rapport/a relationship with my professors?
For professors:
Go to office hours
Ask about their research
Participate in class
Post-graduates: Keeping in touch with your professors and sending updates
Q: Who should I ask?
Q: Who should I ask?
Anyone, excluding family can write you an LOR, so it is important to choose someone who knows you well. Vague letters can harm applications.
People you could ask could be...
Professors
Clinic supervisors
Employers
Volunteer coordinators
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