Writing
a letter of recommendation requires
considerable effort. Don't just
blurt out a request to a supervisor
or instructor you see walking
down the hallway. Choose your
letter writers carefully, and
plan out your timing and approach.
Most importantly, don't procrastinate.
1. ASK SOMEONE WHO
KNOWS YOU WELL
When deciding on
whom to ask for a letter of recommendation,
don't simply think of those classes
or projects in which you have
done well: think of those instructors
or supervisors who are most familiar
with your work and achievements.
Admissions readers look for evidence
of the letter writer's familiarity
with your work. Without this
type of evidence, the letter
lacks credibility and force.
College and Graduate
School Applicants: If you are
applying to an academic program,
it's preferable to have letters
of recommendation from upper-level
course instructors. Remember
that, although letters from senior
professors are often more impressive
than ones penned by teaching
assistants, most senior faculty
members receive large numbers
of recommendation requests. Depending
on the size of your college,
senior professors sometimes must
teach a wide variety of courses.
As a result, they seldom come
into close contact with undergraduates.
While you might be tempted to
request a letter from a tenured
academic superstar, refrain from
doing so unless you know the
recommendation will be strong.
An impressive signature will
not compensate for a lukewarm
letter; in that case, it's much
better to have a stellar letter
from a junior faculty member
of TA who knows you well and
can comment on your specific
abilities and achievements. Keep
in mind that sometimes a professor
will be willing to co-sign a
letter written by a TA, or will
simply adapt and then sign a
letter written by a TA.
Business School,
Professional School, and Job
Applicants: When applying to
business schools, professional
schools, and jobs, you should
ideally have a letter from your
current employer. If you have
not been at your current job
for very long, you might instead
ask a former employer who is
familiar with your work and achievements.
The same rule of thumb described
above applies here: although
you might feel tempted to request
a letter from your company's
CEO, refrain from doing so unless
that CEO is indeed knowledgeable
about your accomplishments. Your
direct supervisors will generally
be far more familiar with your
work history and style, drafting
a far more effective letter.
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