Ah yes, references. For some, this is the hardest part of applying for a grad school. It’s certainly intimidating, especially if you didn’t form close relationships with your professors during your undergrad. Hey, maybe you didn’t know you wanted to get a master’s degree! Priorities change. Fear not, my friend. Academic references aren’t the only way to boost your application.
Who Can Write a Letter of Reference?
Letters of reference will often come from past professors, it’s true. This is a great place to start if you have that option available to you. However, they are far from the only source for a well-rounded reference.
- Work Supervisors: If you’ve been working professionally, especially in a field related to your degree, your current or past supervisor can write a great letter of reference. They can speak to your work ethic, leadership skills, and how your professional experience aligns with your academic goals.
- Mentors or Advisors: Mentors from internships, volunteer work, or professional organizations are also great options. They can comment on your personal growth, initiative, and leadership qualities, which are important in any graduate program.
- Community Leaders or Volunteer Coordinators: If you’ve been active in community service or volunteer work, those leaders can write about your character, dedication, and commitment to making a positive difference.
- And finally, Professors: They can provide insight into your academic achievements, intellectual curiosity, and potential as a graduate student. Even if you don’t have significant relationships, it is generally still worth asking around. Professors may be willing to write you a letter if you provide them with transcripts, projects, or past essays for their class as talking points.
Ideally, you should choose someone who knows you well and can offer specific examples of your strengths, rather than relying on a generic recommendation. Selecting references from various backgrounds will help showcase you as a well-rounded candidate.
How to Ask for a Letter of Reference
You’re asking for someone to take the time out of their day to write up a one-page document about how great you are. Let’s be thoughtful about this!
- Ask Early: Give your referee plenty of time to write their reference. Ideally, reach out at least 4-6 weeks before the deadline.
- Be Clear About What You Need: When you ask for a reference, explain what program you’re applying to is looking for. You can even highlight specific skills or achievements you’d like them to mention. For example, if you’re applying to a research-based program, ask them to emphasize your analytical skills or certain academic achievements.
- Provide Supporting Materials: Make it easy for your referee by giving them your updated resume, personal statement, and details about the program.
- Be Respectful and Considerate: Use language that shows appreciation, such as: “Would you feel comfortable writing a letter of reference for my master’s application?” This gives them the option to decline if they feel they can’t provide a strong letter, without pressure.
- Offer Assistance: You can offer to provide a draft or key points they can include in the letter. This makes their job easier and ensures the letter covers the most important aspects of your application.
Show Kindness and Gratitude
After you’ve asked someone to write a letter of reference, make sure they know how much you appreciate them. Or, if needed, a polite nudge works too.
- [As needed] Send a Reminder: If the deadline is approaching and you haven’t heard back, a gentle follow-up is fine – and probably necessary. A simple, “I wanted to kindly remind you of the upcoming deadline for the reference letter. Please let me know if you need any additional information from me,” works well.
- Express Your Thanks, Always: After your referee has submitted the letter, make sure to send a message of appreciation. Let them know how much their support means to you, and keep them updated on the outcome of your application.
Now, go ace those applications, friends! Whether your references come from supervisors, mentors, professors, or colleagues, you can present a well-rounded application that highlights your strengths across the board.
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