References and Letters of Recommendation

A reference is a person who can attest to one's character and ability, sometimes in writing but often verbally. It is also a statement of qualifications, usually for employment, by someone familiar with the applicant.

A recommender is a person who attests in writing to an applicant's suitability for graduate or professional study, or to receive a merit award.

The following advice is written for persons seeking letters of recommendation but is also applicable to references.

Letters for Fellowship Competitions or Graduate Study

Students applying for research grants or fellowships or who are bound for a post-graduate degree should ask individuals in the proposed (or closely related) field of study for letters of recommendation. These individuals should know the applicant well in an academic context. Senior faculty have the potential to write the strongest letters because they are able to compare candidates to their peers over time (it is difficult for graduate students to write letters of equivalent strength). These letters should support the application by offering detailed commentary about the applicant's academic achievements and potential for research. It is therefore essential that students who are bound for graduate school get to know the faculty.

In vocational fields (business, law, medicine) all letters need not come from instructors or from the proposed field of study. In fact, one or more non-academic letters is encouraged. Such letters support the application by focusing on accomplishments and the probability of future success, rather than on the applicant’s academic achievements or research skills.

Prepare to Ask for a Letter of Recommendation

The strongest letters go beyond stating the basic facts of the recommender's knowledge of a candidate. Applicants can help recommenders by providing sufficient materials to support their candidacy. Before contacting a potential recommender:

• Think about the kind of letter that you need and be prepared to ask for that letter
• Be ready to explain why you have asked this particular person for a letter
• Be prepared to explain your motivation for applying to your chosen program.
• Create:
• A one-paragraph summary of work or activities accomplished with the recommender
• A one-paragraph summary of background qualifications, skills, and consequent interests in the program
• A draft of the application essay (if required)
• A resume or curriculum vitae as appropriate
• Provide stamps if necessary

How to Ask for a Letter of Recommendation

Make an appointment with a potential recommender by e-mail or telephone for the purpose of discussing a possible letter of recommendation. At a minimum, provide one month's notice before the deadline, and remember that many faculty are away during the summer.

• Give potential writers a polite way to decline if they are unable to write the kind of letter that is needed. Ask:
• Are you able to write a strong letter?
• Do you have the time to write this letter?
• Hesitations, negative body language, or failure to write after several requests are indicative of someone who is probably not a suitable recommender.

During the Appointment

• Explain how this program supports your short- and long-term goals.
• Provide copies of the summary materials (listed above), in addition to the required reference letter release forms, as necessary:
• Interfolio.com cover sheet
• Law School Admissions Council Letter of Recommendation Form
• Health Professions Advising Letter of Recommendation Waiver Form (available from your HPA)
• Explain the procedures and deadlines for submitting letters of recommendation.

Thank the writer once the letter has been received, and keep him or her up-to-date throughout the application process.

Confidentiality and Letters of Recommendation

The Federal Education Right to Privacy Act provides students with the legal right-of-access to letters of recommendation written on their behalf unless the right-of-access is waived. In deciding whether to waive or retain access, keep in mind that recommenders will probably feel more comfortable (and recipients will most certainly regard letters as candid) when the right-of-access is waived.

Advice for Applicants

• About Interfolio.com
• Advice on Getting a Good Recommendation by Professor Charles Lipson

Advice for Letter Writers

• Advice from the Center for Teaching and Learning
• Law School letters of recommendation