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Biology Advising FAQ

 

When and how should I get letters of recommendation?

If you will be applying for fellowships, internships, professional or graduate school, you will need letters of recommendation from one or more of your professors. Here are some guidelines that should help.
  • Be organized! Read the application materials carefully. List deadlines for yourself.
  • Select professors who know you well and who you like, hopefully in courses where you've done well. Make sure you are asking professors who have something positive to say about you. This usuallly means that you should spend some time talking to the professors who write your evaluations well before they write the evaluation letters.
  • Don't be shy about approaching a professor to write a recommendation for you -- it's part of their professional responsibilities. But be aware that they have busy careers with many demands, so give them plenty of lead time.
  • Make your request in person! As you do so, ask the professor if he/she would be willing to write a recommendation on your behalf, and indicate that you will provide all the necessary information. Do not be offended if the professor feels that he/she does not know you well enough to write a letter, this is to protect YOU from a mediocre letter.
  • Prepare for the meeting. Bring the following information (modify as needed):
    • A current unofficial transcript
    • A current resume
    • All necessary forms. Attach a note to each form and indicate deadline and where to send it. Example: "Deadline 3/1/09. Send in attached envelope, seal & sign across back".
    • Include envelope, correctly addressed. Read the instructions in the application carefully and be sure you understand where each form is to go. Some schools request that your recommenders return sealed envelopes to you so you can mail the entire packet -- others request letters sent directly to the school.
    • If your application includes several forms, include a short checklist for the professor, so he/she can see at a glance exactly what needs to be done.
  • Keep track of recommendations. It doesn't hurt to remind a busy professor a week or so before due date of the deadline, if you don't think the recommendation has yet been submitted. A simple e-mail will suffice.
  • Your professors don't expect special thanks for writing recommendations, but they almost always appreciate a note of thanks, and especially like hearing from you when you have been accepted.

Page last updated 1 August 2008.