Most graduate school programs will require 2-3 letters of recommendation as part of the application process. Preparing ahead of time can help you meet all your application deadlines.
Deciding who is appropriate to ask for a letter of recommendation can be difficult. It is important to ask people who not only know you well but can speak to your success in the program you are applying for. Note: Each graduate program is different in their requirements for a letter of recommendation, so it is important to read each program’s instructions carefully.
If you are currently enrolled in college, consider asking:
- Professors working in the field you are interested in
- Professors you have worked with outside the classroom through research, teaching assistantships, or other academic work
If you are not currently enrolled in college, consider asking:
- Professional colleagues including supervisors, coworkers and managers.
- Professors you have stayed connected with. Although this is not an option for everyone, it may be appropriate to ask professors even after you have graduated.
The earlier you can ask for a letter of recommendation, the better. It is important to remember that writing a thoughtful letter of recommendation is a time-consuming process. We recommend asking letter writers multiple weeks in advance (at least a month). Finally, if a professor agrees to write your letter, thank them! Include information in your thank you note about where you have decided to attend school and include some of your goals. You may also send an occasional email to let them know how your graduate school experience is going.
After you ask your letter writers, we recommend including key information to help them write a letter that speaks to the programs you are interested. We recommend sending your contact:
- The courses you took with the professor/grade you received
- A copy of your most updated resume
- Your college transcript (if you have already graduated)
- The programs you are applying for
- A description of the industry you are interested in or some of your future career goals
- Directions on how the letter can be submitted. This will vary by school, so it is important to read the requirements for each program.
The Career Planning and Networking Center encourages students who need letters of recommendation for professional employment to use the dossier service available through interfolio.com. lnterfolio is the premier on-line dossier management service and can store any materials you may need for your applications, including confidential letters of recommendation.
Creating an Interfolio account will allow you to receive the many benefits of their services such as:
- Storing an unlimited amount of materials. As an Interfolio user, you can manage and store unlimited amounts of both confidential and non-confidential material including transcripts, letters of recommendation, writing samples and test scores. If some of these materials are stored on SUNY Oneonta Career Planning and Networking Center’s Dragon Link system, they can be uploaded into your account.
- Managing confidential letters of recommendation. You can request confidential letters through your Interfolio account. This gives your writers the ability to electronically upload or mail their letters directly to Interfolio. Writers only have to upload one letter that can be sent to multiple destinations. Although you will not have direct access to the letters, you have complete control over when and where they are sent.
- Using easy application processes. As an Interfolio user, you have complete control over your applications! Once a file is in your account, you can send it electronically or via hard copy.
- Have a service that is safe, secure and reliable. The privacy and security of your information is Interfolio’s highest priority. Robust technological safeguards, including multiple levels of encryption, keep your stored documents protected, secure, and private. A rigorous quality control process ensures the accuracy of all documents, and mailings, and digital backups are stored at a secure, off-site location to further protect your important documents.
To create your Interfolio Account, please visit Interfolio.com or call their help desk at (877) 997-8807 with any questions.