Getting Good References for Your Graduate Admission Application
We all know that references are one of the most important parts of the graduate admissions application. Here are a few suggestions that will help you get quality references for your graduate admissions application:
CHOOSE A GOOD REFERENCE
This may be obvious, but based on what we receive from people I think it warrants mention: you're not just looking for warm body. You need someone who knows you well and can speak of you in the best possible light.
SHOW RESPECT TO YOUR REFERENCE
This may seem obvious, but it's surprising how many people (especially undergraduate students) treat references as though completing one is something owed to them. Remember that completing a reference is a courtesy provided by your professor, employer, minister, or friend, not something you're entitled to.
SECURE REFERENCES WELL IN ADVANCE
Most of the people you're asking for references from have significant demands on their time, and writing a good reference letter can take time. Try to contact them a month or two in advance of your deadline so that they have plenty of time. Such lead time is also helpful in the case that they're unable or unwilling to write one for you.
PROVIDE REFERENCES WITH A COPY OF YOUR STATEMENT OF PURPOSE
If you've chosen a reference who knows you and respects you, then they'll want to provide you with the best possible reference—and giving them your statement of purpose is an aid to that. Seeing what your goals are and how you are presenting yourself to the colleges you're applying to will help them make the strongest possible case for your acceptance.
MAKE SURE TO THANK AND UPDATE THEM
Expressing gratitude is always the right thing to do, so do it! Furthermore, chances are that you're going to need help from this person again, and you want to make sure to they know you appreciate their efforts on your behalf. And, once you are notified of acceptance, tell them--if they've invested the time to help, they'll want to congratulate you, too.
PROVIDE THEM WITH STAMPED AND ADDRESSED ENVELOPES
They're doing you a favor, so make it easy on them and provide everything needed to submit your reference.
If you follow these instructions, you'll give yourself the best possible chance to get into your desired program while retaining those important relationships with your references. Best wishes as you apply!