Letters of Recommendation: Who to Ask and How to Ask

Here are the tips that I have found when asking people for letters of recommendation.

  • Ask them early. I asked my people at least two to three months before the deadline.
  • When sending your request, reintroduce yourself if you’re asking a professor from a previous semester. Also, include any relevant essays or materials that could help them write a strong letter.
  • Give your letter writers a clear deadline—ideally one or two weeks before your application is due, rather than the final submission date itself.
  • When deciding who to ask, consider classes you enjoyed and individuals who can speak to your character. I chose a professor from undergrad whose class I loved, along with a doctor I worked with regularly.
  • Instead of directly asking for a letter of recommendation, start with a greeting and then make your request.
  • “Always conclude your request with a polite thank you, and acknowledge that you understand if they’re unable to write the letter.
  • Prepare a list of 4-5 people in case someone is unable to write a letter or doesn’t respond to your request.
  • Follow up with your letter writer at least 3 weeks before the deadline you set.
  • Keep track of who you asked and the deadlines set.
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