How to secure strong references for your graduate school application

A student asks for a recommendation

Along with transcripts and standardized test scores, letters of recommendation are staple requirements for most graduate school applications. These letters give admissions committees more background on an applicant, going beyond how well they performed on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or the GPA they earned as an undergraduate.

Letters of recommendation are unique in that the applicant has relatively little control over what they contain. While the student’s performance in his or her classes will influence what an instructor says in a recommendation letter, there’s usually no way to know how professors will present their opinion, how enthusiastic they will seem and so on.

The best letters will tell a unique story about the student being recommended and leave a lasting impression with the admissions committee. Getting the most advantageous letter possible requires careful planning in addition to standout academic performance. Let’s look at a few tips for securing strong letters for your application.

Don’t wait until the last minute

Professors are busy, especially during the academic year when most applications are prepared and submitted. Plus, they sometimes procrastinate and forget about things.

That’s why you should act early to ensure that you hear one way or another and have everything lined up by the deadlines. You want to give them ample time to compose and send off the letter. That means not waiting until just a few days before the deadline to make your request.

When someone agrees to write a letter for you, they’re doing you a favor. Treat it as such, and don’t put them under pressure or place them in the awkward position of needing to juggle other projects, some of which might be more central to their official responsibilities.

Pick someone who really knows you

In theory, any instructor whose course you passed could write you a recommendation that would provide background on your abilities as student. In reality, many of these professors might struggle to paint a vivid picture of your candidacy to an admissions committee, since they haven’t worked with you in much depth.

The ideal candidates for writing your letters are people with whom you interact individually, rather than just as one member of a class. For example, a professor who guided your undergraduate thesis or served as your academic advisor will likely have much more to say about what makes you unique than someone who only graded your assignments for their lecture course.

Ask in the right way

You may be inclined to ask a professor “Can you write me a letter of recommendation?” This might seem innocuous, but it could produce subpar results, since you are not providing very detailed instructions.

Instead, provided as much direction and information as you can so that you don’t receive a merely perfunctory recommendation. Also, if someone says “no,” accept it. There’s no use in pushing someone to write you a letter if they don’t feel comfortable; a mediocre letter can be a warning sign to an admissions officer not to accept you to a program.

Decide whether to ask in person or via email

How should you approach your potential letter writers? There are different schools of thought on which route is best: in-person or via email.

By asking in person, you give the process a more personal touch and also eliminate the risk of your email getting buried in the instructor’s inbox or sent directly to the spam folder. Showing up in person also might send a more powerful message than a standard and overly formal email.

On the other hand, email provides more flexibility. A professor can see the email and then think about how to respond, without having to make a decision on the spot as they likely would if you showed up to their office. Plus, if you know the person well or are reaching out to them after you’ve moved somewhere else, email is more practical.

Provide them with everything they need

It’s important to let the recommender know what they’re getting into. First and foremost, tell them the program application deadline. Also provide information on the specific programs so they can tailor their letters accordingly, and include links or copies of recommendation forms, if applicable. Let them know the exact program you’re applying to so they can mention it in their letter.

Other useful collateral might include transcripts and essays, if only to provide additional context or jog their memory. Make sure the recommender has everything they need to write a memorable, positive letter.

Always follow up

It’s common courtesy to let those who provided recommendations know where you were accepted. This keeps them in the loop about the difference their letter might have made in your acceptance. Down the road, this seemingly small act of maintaining contact might be useful if you need additional letters or references for a job.

How to apply for an online engineering degree at UCR

Letters of recommendation are required to apply to the Master of Science in Engineering (MSE) program at the University of California, Riverside (UCR). UCR MSE applicants should also include official transcripts showing they completed a bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related field. Evidence of professional experience in engineering is required as well.

A full list of the program admission requirements can be found on the main MSE page. There you can also find information on the different specialization options available and how the UCR MSE balances a focus on technical engineering concepts with background in managerial principles. By answering a few questions there, you can receive a copy of our free brochure with additional details on the curriculum.