Letters of Recommendation: Who and How to Ask For Assistance

Letters of recommendation are crucial to your graduate school application. They provide the admissions committee with a comprehensive view of your character, achievements, and potential beyond grades and resumes. Admissions committees typically use these letters to assess how well an applicant will fit into and perform in the program.

A compelling, personalized recommendation can be the deciding factor between acceptance and rejection in highly competitive programs, such as the online degrees offered by the Tufts University School of Engineering. A glowing recommendation highlights your qualifications and distinguishes you from others, while a lukewarm one can reduce your chances of standing out in a competitive applicant pool.

This article offers advice on whom to ask for recommendations and how to request them. 

Timing and Preparation

Start the process well in advance to guarantee your letters of recommendation reach the admissions office by the application deadline. You can use the following timeline to stay on track: 

• Twelve weeks before the deadline: Start making a list of potential recommenders and contact them to determine their willingness and availability to write a recommendation. 
• Eight weeks before the deadline: Provide your recommenders with all the materials they need to write a compelling recommendation. This can include your resume, a record of achievements, and a personal statement of purpose. Also, provide an overview of your program of interest and add any supporting material demonstrating your suitability. 
• Four weeks before the deadline: Follow up with a polite reminder of the deadline, reiterating submission details and any technical instructions for the application portal or email submission.

Continue reading for advice on how to handle each of these phases. 

Choosing the Right Recommenders

Choose recommenders who know you well, can speak to your strengths and potential for success, and hold a position of authority. Ideally, you should choose someone who has directly overseen your work, such as a work supervisor, professor, or research supervisor. 

Most candidates select recommenders from academic and professional spheres; volunteer coordinators and prominent alumni can also provide compelling recommendations. Beyond being familiar with your work and skills, your recommender should be able to speak to your potential as an engineer and highlight positive qualities that align with your prospective program’s focus. 

How to Ask for a Recommendation

Requesting in person or through a video call is most effective. If that’s not possible, try contacting the recommender by phone. If these options aren’t feasible, a well-crafted, professional email is a suitable alternative, followed by a phone call if there is no response.

Let your recommender know your reasons for choosing them. Perhaps they can offer insight into your work ethic or point out specific skills you demonstrated during a successful project. Additionally, describe the program you’re applying to and explain your motivation for pursuing this degree, including how it complements your career goals or aligns with your interests. 

Follow Up and Say Thank You

Following up on the submission of a recommendation requires a delicate approach. Remain polite and considerate, avoiding a pushy demeanor. A friendly email can be an effective method for following up. In your email, be sure to express your gratitude for the time they invested in writing your recommendation and offer to provide any additional information they might need.

Once your recommender submits your letter, send a thank-you email. You should also let your recommender know if you gain admission to the program and thank them again for their help with your application. 

Earn Your Engineering Degree or Certificate Online at Tufts University

A strong letter of recommendation can significantly strengthen your application. To maximize your chances of success, select recommenders who are authoritative, know you well, and have a positive opinion of you. If you need help deciding whom to approach, academic advisors, career counselors, and professional peers could help you narrow down your list. Don’t hesitate to seek support.

Some people find the process of soliciting recommendations uncomfortable. If you are one of them, just remember that most recommenders are happy to help and derive satisfaction from facilitating your success.

Also remember that earning a master’s in engineering will make your effort worthwhile. Tufts online engineering degree and certificate programs can help you develop the skills to meet current industry needs and accelerate your career. Furthermore, the online programs’ flexible learning format means you can earn your advanced degree without relocating or putting your professional development on hold. 

Ready to take the next step? Contact an enrollment advisor to learn more about the Tufts School of Engineering’s online programs and the admissions and enrollment processes.