Letters of Recommendation

Usually an application asks for multiple letters of recommendation (often three). So each of the writers doesn't have to write about all your great work and merits. You may choose to pick a writer who can write about your aptitude to be successful in research, another who can talk about your dedication to fostering a supportive community, and another to discuss your ability as a student in classes and your commitment to ethics. The letters together should make a picture of your strengths. So for each recommender you are asking for a letter, think about what that person has seen you do, and tell them why you are asking them for a recommendation: which aspects of your work you think they know best.

At least one recommender should be an experienced professional in the field you are applying to. For scholarships for college students, try to get at least one letter from a professor. For applications to academic graduate programs, all recommenders should be professors--unless the program emphasizes practice (such as medicine, some MSW and MPH programs, etc.); then you can choose a mix of professors and other professionals who can talk about your skills and interests.

Regardless of who you are thinking of asking, here are a couple of things to consider:

Do you have a good relationship with this person? Was/Is your experience with them positive overall?

It is important for you to feel like you will be able to get a good letter of recommendation from the person you are asking. Do your best to differentiate between any imposter syndrome you may be feeling and your relationship with this person.

How long have they known you for? Have you kept in touch with them?

A person you have only been working with for a month probably won't be able to write as in-depth about your strengths and merits compared to someone who you have known for several years.

While someone you last spoke with three years ago may be willing and able to write a strong letter, their perception of your interests and the strengths that they highlight may not be in line with your current goals. The strongest letters come from people you have been in touch with within the last year, and who know you well.

Is this person in the field you are in or interested in going into? Can they speak about your interests and goals?

When applying for something specific to your field, such as a graduate program, it is important that you choose at least one writer who can speak to your work, skills, and contributions related to that field, and at least one writer who has the degree you are applying for (or a more advanced degree in the same field).

These are just things to consider. Remember that you know you best. Your letter writers don't have to be perfect recommenders in all ways. Take some time to think about what qualities you want represented. Ask those you think could highlight those qualities, and tell them the qualities or areas of your work you hope they can talk about.

The quick answer is that you should ask as early as possible.

Even if you are thinking that you may want to apply to a program that requires letters of recommendation in a year or two, it is good to find out who your recommenders are before you need their letters.

Additionally, you may choose to ask a program lead, your lab's principal investigator (PI), or some other supervisor/manager who may not know you that well. By asking them earlier, you are giving them time to get to know you and notice what you do. It helps to give recommenders your resume or CV so they know what you've done.

Letter writers often prefer to write the letter of recommendation during or shortly after their time working with/mentoring/teaching you. You can store and send letters of recommendation online using free tools such as Interfolio dossier. The recommender uploads the letter to the dossier. This allows you to keep letters for later. But be aware that generic letters of recommendation are rarely as good as letters written for a particular application, and recommendation letters shouldn't be more than about a year old. Unless you are applying to many things, it's best to get a letter for each application.

When you are applying to something specific, ask your recommenders for a letter 4-8 weeks before the deadline. Tell them what you are applying to, so they can tailor the letter to that program.

Even if your plans change or you aren't quite sure of your next steps, bring up the topic with people you would want letters of recommendation from. It never hurts to be prepared!

You should send your letter of recommendation writers the core materials that you are planning to submit with your application.

For a graduate school application, this typically includes a CV and a personal statement or statement of research interest or statement of purpose.

Additionally, tell them about why you are interested in a given program, and about any faculty mentors you are interested in working with.

When it gets close to the time to submit your application, you'll need to send out reminders to your letter writers. Everyone is busy with their own lives, so reminders are welcomed. Until they submit the letter, aim for reminding them a month, 2 weeks, and 5 days before your application is due.

Another option is to give your letter writers a deadline that is earlier than the actual application deadline. Let them know that you would like to have your application complete and submitted on an earlier date than it is due. This will help to reduce the stress of not getting everything in on time as you have some time between your personal deadline and the official deadline to resolve any issues.