Frequently Asked Questions 4

Home Undergraduate Program Frequently Asked Questions 4

How Do I Ask a Faculty Member for a Letter of Recommendation?

Faculty members will in general be glad to write letters of recommendation on your behalf. However, they are in general very busy and get many such requests, usually in a cluster. So please bear that in mind when you approach them with your request.

1. Ask at least one month before your deadline.
2. Let the faculty member know what program you are applying to, why, and what your goals are in applying. Are there special selection or admission criteria for the program or scholarship that you are applying for?
3. Provide, preferably in one package, whether electronic or hard copy:
   • Copies of evaluations from all of your UCSC classes, especially those taken with your letter-writer.
   • A copy of your draft statement of purpose, as well as your resume or curriculum vitae.
   • Make especially sure you've been clear and explicit about when the letter is needed and the address to which it should be sent.
4. If the recommendation is to go on a pre-printed form, make sure you've completed your portion of that form.
5. If you've been out of school for more than a couple of years, reconnect with the faculty member by phone, via email or in person: refresh their memory about who you are, then ask if they are willing to write a letter for you.
6. Be prepared for the fact that some faculty members may ask you to visit them during office hours to discuss your application or letter.
7. About confidentiality: You don't have to, but it is generally in your best interest to agree to the letter being confidential (it will have more weight with readers). If you are uncomfortable with this, or if you are worried that the letter might not be positive, discuss your concerns with the faculty member.

In general, please remember that:

• It is in your best interest to provide your letter-writers with as much information as possible in as timely a manner as possible. The better informed your recommender is, and the more time they have in which to write the letter, the better their letter will be.
• Bear in mind especially that the faculty member is doing you a favor in writing the letter; be considerate by supplying all the information you can in a timely way.