Tips for Letters of Recommendation!

Thu, 16 Apr 2015 15:26:50 -0400
center, learning, letters, recommendation, resources, tutoring

Hi Retrievers! We’re in the final stretch of the semester! Just stopping by the myUMBC sphere to make sure you’re aware of all of the resources available to you on campus.

If you didn't already know, it’s not too late to sign up for Appointment Tutoring, or visit our Math Lab or Writing Center! Check out our past posts for more information and to sign up. (You can even sign up for Appointment Tutoring through our Facebook Page! Just click the “sign up” button!) Registering for classes? Make sure you complete any necessary Placement Testing before your registration date!

Tis the season for Letters of Recommendation! Whether you need them for grad school or scholarships, now is the time to get them. Here are a few helpful tips to keep in mind:

Ask the right people- Make sure you ask professors who know who you are and that you've worked with before. If you know that you didn't go to class for the majority of the semester, it’s safe to say you shouldn't ask that professor for a letter of recommendation.

Ask EARLY—It should go without saying that professors are busy people. They grade papers, they teach lectures, attend meetings, do research, etc. As shocking as it may seem, they cannot just drop everything to write you a letter of rec. Ask well before the deadline if you want them to help you. We suggest at least a month’s notice.

Give as much info as possible (especially the deadline)—It’s really hard to write a letter of rec when the professor doesn't know why the student wants it. Are you applying for med school? Are you trying to get an internship? These things matter. Make sure you let your professor know what program you’re applying for, some info about the program, the deadline, and why you think you’re a good fit. It’s helpful to provide your professor with your resume or a personal statement of your accomplishments.

Follow up!—If you haven’t heard anything at least one week before the deadline, email your professor to check in!

Do you have any other helpful tips? Feel free to leave them in the comments!