Umich的Rl Tips

不会上传文件。。。。直接贴过来吧~
Letter of Recommendation Tips
Letters of Recommendation are a critical component of any graduate admissions application submission. More importantly, receiving a strong letter of recommendation makes more than a world of difference. Here are some things to consider regarding letters of recommendation. Since your best letters will come from individuals who know you well and are familiar with your capabilities, make a concerted effort to get to know your professors and/or supervisors. Strategies for this include: speaking up in class, selecting smaller classes, taking multiple courses taught by the professor, conducting research with the professor, attending office hours regularly or even doing additional projects or writing an honor’s thesis.
•
Should be written by someone who knows you well enough to write with authority
•
Should be written by someone who can speak positively about you and who is familiar with your academic work, career goals, or research interests
•
Ask those who know your educational and career goals and think highly of you
•
Please give ample time (6‐8 weeks) for your letter to be written as you may not be the only person seeking a recommendation
•
Should have at least 2 letters from faculty
•
Letters from senior faculty especially in your prospective discipline carry more weight than those from faculty outside of your field or from junior faculty
•
Do not seek letters from family, friends, or GSIs (however your GSI could provide more information about you to faculty)
•
Be sure to ask for a strong letter. If the person cannot provide a strong letter you may want to look elsewhere
•
Schedule a time to talk with the recommender to discuss the letter, timeline, and details of the program you are applying to
•
Also bring: all forms with blanks filled in, signed, your resume, unofficial transcript(s) and statement of purpose (a draft is ok if your statement has not been finalized), addressed envelopes, a list summarizing all schools you are applying for, post‐mark and mailing deadlines, and whether to return materials to you or mail directly to the institution
•
If you do not have a close relationship with your letter writer or if it has been over a year, be sure to provide ample information about you as a refresher for your recommendation
•
Provide a list of facts, work/projects you’ve done for their class, or anything of particular interest that would help them in writing a strong letter for you
•
Graduate programs look highly upon letters of recommendation that are “confidential” (meaning you, the applicant cannot see the letter)