References

Most programs require at least three letters of recommendation.  Recommenders can be faculty or work supervisors; a combination of each is good if you have been working in your field of study.

Tips for recommendation letters:

• Plan on soliciting at least one extra recommendation than required

• Ask each recommender if s/he would feel comfortable making a strong recommendation.

• Explain what programs interest you and why.

• Make it easy for your professor – provide a copy of your resume, a draft of your personal statement, or samples of work you have done in his/her class.  Do not forget to provide s stamped, pre-addressed envelopes.

• Expect that your professors will use the same basic letter for each school, but you may  request that one or two of the letters be specifically tailored.

• Allow 4-6 weeks for a professor to complete a letter.  Give them a date by which it needs to be completed.  Consider making this date slightly before the date they are actually due.

• Follow up. Check in once a week until the recommendations have been completed.

• Send thank you letters to all of your references.