Department of Psychology at Illinois State University
Most graduate school applications require three or more letters of recommendation. Students should ask for letters from people who know them well, such as faculty and supervisors for psychology-related work. It is fair to ask someone if they would be able to write a good letter of recommendation before asking them to do so. Many faculty will be willing to write a letter if they know students from their class, but these letters are likely to be less detailed than letters from faculty who know students better (e.g., students who worked in faculty research labs for a semester or more).
The people who agree to write letters for students are also known as their references and can be listed on students' CV. Letters of recommendation should speak to students ability to perform well in graduate school. If there are specific qualities that students want to have highlighted, be sure to ask individual references to include these qualities in their letter. Students also want to be sure to ask for letters in plenty of time so that people can plan ahead to write them before the graduate school deadline. At least a month before graduate school applications are due is usually enough time. Students should provide their references with information about students' academic achievements (e.g., GPA), their CV, the programs students are applying to, future goals, due dates for the applications, and students' contact information.
Check the instructions in the graduate school application materials to see if letters should be mailed directly to the school from students' references or if students need to include the letters in their application packet. Some graduate school require letters of recommendation be sent in sealed envelopes with signatures across the flap. Students should provide their references with addressed, stamped envelopes for their letters if the letters should be mailed separately from the application. If there is a form in the application, it will likely have a section that allows students to indicate if they waive the right to view the letters. It is usually a good idea to waive this right, as some people may be unwilling to write letters if students do not waive the right to view the letter. See Suggestions for Requesting Letters of Recommendation for more information.
