1. Letters of Recommendation

 

 

    a. Letters of recommendation are required for many kinds of applications such as

        employment, scholarships and admissions.

 

 

    b. It is suggested that all students obtain at least 3 letters of recommendation.   Many will

        choose to get 5-7 letters and use different references for different situations.

 

 

    c. Most of the materials you submit for the evaluation of your applications are objective and

        quantitative: grade-point average, ACT/SAT scores, class standing, and so forth. Letters of

        recommendation are the important exception; they should mention all your positive

        qualities not revealed by objective data such as GPA or test scores.

 

 

    d. A substantive letter from an informed referee can often be very persuasive to graduate       

        admissions committees, especially in "borderline" decisions.

 

 

    e. Naturally, you should get letters from people who know you best. A bland or neutral letter,

        from somebody who knows you only as a name on a class roll, can hurt more than it helps.

        Ideally, your referees (letter-writers) are your advocates.

 

 

    f. The single best thing you can do, to get a good letter of recommendation is to provide your

        letter writer with useful information.  That may be accomplished with a Resume or a

        completed Data Sheet.

 

    g. How to approach potential letter writers

 

            i. Make a list of teachers, coaches, advisors, employers, supervisors, pastors, community

                and persons who will be your best advocates and who know you best. 

 

            ii. Next set up an appointment to discuss your request in person. Do not make the request

                via email or phone. Be prepared to explain what your letters may be used for.

 

 

            iii. Present them with supportive materials (resume, data sheet, application information)

           

            iv. Letters of recommendation are written strictly on a voluntary basis.  Faculty            

                 members, employers and others may decline to write them. The best approach is to

                 ask potential letter writers if they are willing to write you a strong letter. If you sense

                 reluctance or the answer is no, ask someone else.

           

            v. Give writers at least one week notice prior to your deadline.  Ask if that will be

                acceptable.

           

            vi. Reach closure on how and when you will be by to pick up the finished letter.

           

            vii. Check back with the write a day or two before the agreed upon due date to make sure

                  they are on track to finish the recommendation letter.

 

            viii.  It is recommended if you only have three letters in your portfolio that when possible

                    one be from a school source, one from the community, and one from an employer

           

            ix. Always send a short thank you note to all who take time to write letters of

                 recommendation for you.