The Interfolio Blog

As a new academic year approaches, many considering a higher degree have to start thinking not just about class selection and planning, but also the graduate school application process. One of the most important pieces of this puzzle continues to be the letter of recommendation, a component of applications that can show an admissions committees a more in-depth look at a candidate. Most graduate programs require at least three letters of reference, which are expected to be from individuals who can competently convey the applicant's skills, experience, and potential.

Here we outline seven important steps to asking for and obtaining the best recommendation letters, and how to make that process as easy as possible:

1. Be sure to consider professors and academic connections who you have done extensive work with and who can speak directly to your expertise in the field you are pursuing.
2. Ask the person you'd like a recommendation from if they feel they can give you a very positive recommendation. You may feel your work with them was great, but you should give your reference the opportunity to tell you how they feel and how strongly they will be able to recommend you.
3. Do not ask someone solely because they are the head of the department or president of the school.  Their impressive status does not mean they will be convincing or informative to admissions committees, especially if your interaction with them has been limited.
4. If you've had an employer in the past who valued your work highly, consider asking them as well. Letters from employers can be useful even if the field you're planning to study is somewhat unrelated. An employer can comment on your work ethic and ability to perform in situations that a professor has not seen, providing schools with a diverse presentation of your qualifications.
5. It is beneficial to your application if your letter writer attended or worked at the same institutions to which you are applying.
6. Plan ahead, it is never too early! Professors are often very busy and need at least 2 months of advance notice in order to get you something valuable.
7. Make requesting and delivering your letters of recommendation more efficient with a credentials management service, like our Interfolio Dossier, that allows you to ask your writers to simply upload the letter once. The management of your digital credential file is then your own responsibility, and you are able to deliver them where and when you see fit.