Applying to graduate school: Letters of reference
(11-16-05)
A major aspect of applying to graduate school is securing letters of reference. Here is some advice regarding this venture:
1. Always talk to your potential references before using them.
Ask if they feel comfortable writing you a letter supporting your application. You don't just need three or four letters, you need three or four letters that support your application as strongly as possible. Ask them how they feel about doing this and listen very carefully to how they answer--both what they say and how they say it. This is one of the very important decisions you will make that can directly affect your chances of success.
If they are supportive of your seeking further education and believe they can write positive letters, tell them more about yourself--what kind of graduate programs you are interested in and what you have done to prepare yourself.
2. Well in advance of any application deadlines, give your references
a. a packet of reference materials: forms, envelopes (stamped if the referees are to be mailing them)
b. a list of schools you are applying to, the programs, the degree you are seeking, the due date for the application, where the reference letter is to be mailed to the school or returned to you [see example below]
b. a copy of your personal statement
c. a copy of your resume/vita
d. a list of courses and grades or a copy of your transcript
3. Ask when you should check back with the person writing your references to see if the task is complete or deal with any questions/problems
For your letter-writers: A helpful chart with (inaccurate) examples
University of Illinois Dept. of Counselor Education Counseling Psych PhD Dec. 10 form plus letter, regular mail University of Iowa Dept. of Psychology Clinical Psych PhD Dec. 15 letter, returned to me Western Michigan Department of Education Counseling Psych PhD Jan. 1 form, no letter, regular mail NYU Dept. of Psychology Counseling Psych PhD Jan. 5 form plus letter, returned to me