Obtaining a Letter of Recommendation from a College Professor
If you applying for Graduate school, you will probably need at least one exemplary letter of recommendation from someone who can vouch for your academic skills. They can make a huge difference in your ability to get accepted into the school and program that you want.
Letters of recommendation are required for almost every application, and what is contained in the letter holds great weight. Usually grades and test scores factor in most heavily, but your letters of recommendation could be the deciding factor in the admission process.
In general, you will be asked for three letters that show them the kind of person and the kind of student that you are. Be sure to send only the number of letters that they ask for-any extra ones will not hurt your case.
When it comes to who is going to write your letters, the best people for the task are those that know you well, and can provide an evaluation of your ability to perform and succeed in school. Make sure the person holds the title or professor, someone who has a degree in the field of your study, and someone who has spent a good deal of time with you.
They should have experience with you in an upper-division class-make sure that you got a good grade, or you will most likely not get a very good recommendation. While you may think that something from a friend or family member is best, it can actually end up hurting your case.
To make your decision as to who you are going to go with, begin by making a list of all of the professors and supervisors who know you the best. Then, set up an appointment to discuss your request in person.
Talking to them in person will ensure that you get a better letter than if you simply ask them by email. It is more personal, and shows that you care.
Be prepared to articulate your interest and reasons for attending graduate school-they will probably need as much background as possible. Ask them if they can write you a strong letter, with a good view of you.
If they are reluctant or feel that they do not know you well enough, thank them and go with someone else. You do not want anything that could end up damaging your chances.
Professors and supervisors are generally happy to help you, and to write on your behalf. Remember that they are busy, and sometimes these requests fall through the cracks.
Be sure to give them plenty of time before the due date, and check up to make sure that the task is done. Do not wait until you are ready to apply to ask for their help-the sooner you ask them, with your memory as a student fresh in your mind, the better.
Since your best reviews will come from those who know you well, make an effort to get to know your professors and supervisors while you are working with them. Be sure to speak up in class, select courses with small class sizes, take more than one class from one particular professor, and attend their office hours whenever you can.
Make sure that you provide them with a cover note that contains information on how to get in touch with you, in case they need to reach you. You may want to include what you would like to be emphasized, such as a personal or an academic review, and in what field.
Include the list of schools to which you are applying, and due dates, with the earliest due date at the top. Give them another information that may help them, or be relevant.
Open and close your note with lots of thanks for the time and effort they are taking. To make things easier on them, type in your name and information wherever necessary, along with the recommender’s name, title, and contact information.
Include your transcripts if necessary, and a draft of your statement of purpose. You may even want to give them an example of some of your best work in their course, to refresh their memory.
Be sure to include a stamped and addressed envelope for their convenience. If you are sure to follow these steps, you will get the best review possible for your application.
Tommy Greene has worked in the legal industry for years. When searching Paralegal Schools Florida, he recommends (http://www.mdc.edu) to train for a career as a Paralegal.
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Tommy Greene
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