Requesting Letters of Recommendation

Requesting letters of recommendation for a law school or a professional health program, such as medical school, dental school, physical therapy school or similar, isn't much different from requesting letters of recommendation for other graduate programs. However, letters of recommendation are often needed for scholarships, research opportunities or internships. These letters should come from a professor, advisor or professional within a given field as part of the application package. Here are some tips on how to request strong, supportive letters of recommendation:

  1. Establish good relationships and choose the right people: Consider asking professionals, professors, academic advisors or employers who know you well and can speak to your strengths and qualifications. Make sure to choose individuals who are relevant to your field of study or career goals. Build relationships by:
    1. Choosing professors based on shared academic interests
    2. Asking thoughtful questions in class
    3. Delving deeper into concepts presented in lectures
    4. Sitting up front
    5. Visiting office hours (in moderation)
    6. Asking for recommendations for additional reading
    7. Inquiring about their areas of interest and research
  2. Ask politely: Ask in person or write a polite and professional email or letter asking for if they feel capable of writing a strong, supportive recommendation. Explain why you chose them, and thank them for their time and consideration. If they seem hesitant or are unable to write a strong, supportive recommendation, then you should probably try someone else. Be sure to give them the option to decline if they are not comfortable writing a strong, supportive recommendation.
  3. Ask in advance: It is essential to give your recommenders plenty of notice. Request letters of recommendation at least a month or two before the deadline, if possible. This will give your recommenders sufficient time to write a thoughtful and detailed letter as well as get to know you better if necessary.
  4. Provide relevant information: Give your recommenders information about the scholarship/internship/research opportunity or application service you are applying to. Provide a copy of your resume, personal statement and any other application materials that can help them write a more personalized letter. You could include a brief biography, your interests and activities, career goals and motivation toward your intended profession. You could also include a photo to help them remember you if needed, a copy of a paper or assignment from their class or even a transcript. If they don't know you as well as you would like them to, request a meeting with them so you can share more details about your personal, educational and professional journey.
  5. Tell them what you're looking for: Remind them that you need a strong, supportive letter on letterhead stationery that reflects:
    1. How long and in what capacity they have known you
    2. Any character and personality traits observed
    3. Interpersonal and communication skills
    4. Intellectual traits
    5. Distinguishing characteristics
    6. Evaluation of your classroom or work performance
    7. An opinion of the likelihood of your success
  6. Deadline/Follow-up: After you have requested a letter of recommendation, follow up with your recommenders to make sure they have received the request and to confirm the deadline. Do NOT give them the last day that the letter can be submitted. Give them a deadline of two weeks prior to the actual deadline to provide a cushion. Send them a friendly reminder a week or two before the deadline to ensure they have ample time to submit their letter.
  7. Show gratitude: After your recommenders have submitted their letters, be sure to thank them for their time and effort. Send them a personalized thank you note or email and let them know how much you appreciate their support.

Remember, letters of recommendation can play a significant role in your application so make sure to choose the right people and give them enough time to write a compelling letter that highlights your strengths and qualifications.

Letter of Recommendation Resources

Pre-Law

Pre-Medicine

Pre-Dentistry

Pre-Physician Assistant

Pre-Veterinary Medicine