Considerations for Students Requiring Faculty Letters of Recommendation
Sent on behalf of the Office of Pre-Professional Advising
The past two semesters have been difficult in many ways. Online classes particularly have presented many challenges. One of those is the hindrance they have placed on students’ ability to get to know professors well enough to ask for letters of recommendation for graduate and professional school. Our office has heard from many students this semester who are applying to graduate programs but cannot obtain letters from professors, a required part of the application process. We realize relationships have been difficult to foster for students and professors, but we are hoping professors will be understanding and accommodating with letter requests. Students can provide information to make letter-writing easier, such as CVs, resumés, transcripts, personal statements, and the opportunity to interview the student. If students raise this issue during advisement please suggest that they take the following steps when asking/emailing professors for letters:
- Acknowledge the issue; let the professor know you understand this has been a difficult semester for students and professors to develop relationships
- Tell the professor you are applying to a graduate or professional program and that the program requires letters of recommendation
- Explain to them you will provide them with a resume, transcript, personal statement and the opportunity to interview you if they will please agree to write you a letter
- Thank them for their consideration.
