Thinking about applying to grad school this fall? Now is the perfect time to start
deciding which professors you would like to ask for recommendation letters. These
simple steps can make the entire process easier for everyone:
1) Ask someone who knows you well (Remember you are kind of auditioning for a
recommendation while you are in class. Give you professor something great to write.)
2) Ask as early as possible
3) Take no for an answer (If the professor tells you that he/she is not the best person
to write your letter, believe him/her and move on.)
4) Provide all of the information they need - Make a folder with a copy of your resume
list all of the programs that you are applying to and note all the classes you took
with the professor, listing each semester.
5) Remember that you are asking for a favor - Ask nicely, send a thank you note
afterward and be sure to let your professor know where you got accepted.
Sheila McKinney
