Letters of Recommendation (LORs)

The selection committees want to see what others have to say about you as a scholar and a person. As such, your LORs need to be strong, substantive endorsements that speak to the selection criteria of the particular program to which you are applying.

Asking for letters of recommendation can be intimidating, but if you go into it with the right attitude and having prepared thoroughly, you should find that it is not so difficult after all. Here are some helpful hints for approaching people about writing your letters.

1. Seek out the people who really know you well. The letter writer’s depth of knowledge about you is more important than their title.

2. Ask early! The earlier you approach someone to write for you, the easier it will be for that person to plan his or her time. In general, asking for a letter right before the deadline is inconsiderate.

3. Do not assume that the person you will ask to write on your behalf will write you a strong letter. You have to ask! Ask them directly: “Will you be able to write me a strong letter of recommendation?” Or ask indirectly: “Do you have time to write a strong letter for me?” Most of your identified recommenders will say “yes” enthusiastically, but framing the request this way gives potential referees the opportunity to decline gracefully. A reluctant referee will generally write a lukewarm letter which is a potential death knell to your application!

4. Prepare a packet of relevant information. The more information you provide, the better. Try putting together a packet with the following:

• A brief description of the fellowship(s) you are applying for, including criteria for selection;
• A current résumé;
• A list of personal data (extra-curricular activities, or organizations) which may not appear on your résumé;
• A rough draft of your application or project proposal;
• Helpful reminders of great things you did in class, within the organization or during the internship.
• About a week or two before the recommendation is due, contact recommenders to find out if they need any more information or update them on any changes you may have made to your proposal. (This also works as a friendly reminder that the deadline is approaching.)

5. Schedule an appointment with your recommender(s) to discuss the scholarship in general, the scholarship selection criteria in particular, and your reasons for applying. If you cannot meet in person, be prepared to provide this information via email.

6. Finally, be sure to write your recommender(s) a note of thanks, and provide them with updates of your application status.

How to Ask for a Recommendation