How to Get a Positive Letter of Recommendation

Asking professors for a letter of recommendation can be a daunting task for even the most extroverted of students. Knowing the correct way of going about it can ensure that you get the best letter of recommendation possible.

Get involved early

If you are planning on going to graduate school, start thinking about letters of recommendation right away. Get involved in your department: join any departmental clubs or see if there are any research opportunities. By doing this you will become more visible and will meet more professors. This will help you to avoid any unpleasant "...and you are?" moments.

Get to know your professors

Aside from being active in the department, take time to get to know your professors. If there is a topic that interests you in a class, talk to your professor about it after class or during office hours. Same goes for any questions you might have. Letting your professors know that you are enthusiastic about your area will give them more insight when writing your letter of recommendation.

Give them plenty of notice

Professors are busy people and they often have several letters of recommendation to write every semester. Be sure to give them plenty of time to write yours. You'll want to give them as much time as possible, but at the very least they need one month to write a good letter.

Meet in person

Feel free to set up an appointment via email or telephone, but avoid actually asking for your letter of recommendation this way. Unless there is a very good reason why you can't, always meet in person. This shows that you are serious, and allows your professor to ask you questions that might help in the letter writing.

Select someone who knows you well

This may seem like a given, but it bears repeating. Make sure that those professors that you ask know you well enough to write you a good letter of recommendation. Even if you know them well, make sure that they feel comfortable writing a positive letter for you. If a professor declines, don't take it personally. You are better off with no letter of recommendation from that person than a negative one.

Refresh their memory

Before requesting a letter of recommendation, you'll want to create a packet with everything that the professors will need. This should include a stamped and addressed envelope for every university where you are applying, any special directions that the university has, and your information. The reason for the last part is to make sure that your letter of recommendation is as accurate as possible. Include a copy of your transcripts, as well as information on any extra work you've done in the department, and copies of any work you've done for that professor that you are proud of. This will refresh your professor's memory and give the impression that you are organized and thoughtful.

Thank every professor

Write each professor who wrote a letter for you a thank you note. Include an update on your admission status if you've heard back. Don't email this note, as that is too informal. If your department allows for gift-giving, consider buying your professor an inexpensive gift.