Recommendation letters
Most programs ask for two or three letters. PhD programs want them from professors. For law school, MPA and MPP programs and jobs, a supervisor from a job or internship can write one too.
Not close with any professors or employers?
Most students aren't at first. Professors write letters all the time, and they say yes when you make it easy for them.
- Pick a class you did well in, ideally one where you got a B or above and participated.
- Ask to meet. Look up their office hours, or email to ask when you could meet on Zoom.
- Ask 6–8 weeks before the deadline, not the week of.
- Send everything in one email: your résumé, a draft of your statement and your list of programs with deadlines.
- Remind and thank. Send a short reminder a week before the deadline, and tell them where you got in.
Subject: Letter of recommendation for [program], [Your name]
Dear Professor [Last name],
I took your [course number and name] in [semester], and I especially enjoyed [a topic or reading from the class]. I'm interested in [your interest], and I'm applying to [program or job], due [date].
Would you be willing to write me a letter of recommendation? I could come to your office hours on [day], or meet on Zoom at a time that works for you. I've attached my résumé, a draft of my statement and my list of programs with deadlines.
Thank you,
[Full name]