I’m a sophomore in college looking to apply to research programs…
Most require 2 letters of recommendations and I plan on applying to several programs. When I my recommenders for letters, they only have to write me one letter and I can just ask them to send it to whatever places they need to go, right?
Also some applications require 2 references and also have a separate part for 2 letters of recommendations…does this mean I need 4 people?
Hrmmm…I’m just really nervous about asking for recommendation letters. I’ve never been to anyone’s office hours. One prof, I know and she knows me, mostly because I was in both gen chem 1 and 2 with her, and I got a B+/A- respectively. The other is a Computer science prof and I got a B in her class (Small class) I plan on asking them right after break.
Does anyone have any tips on how to do this? Email them and ask if they would be willing to write a letter of recommendation for me? Or email and ask for the letter and to see if they have time to meet etc;
In addition the majority of the applications are due February 2…and I return back to class Jan. 12. Is that cutting it really close; should I just look for march application deadlines?
Professors will generally write one letter and send it to multiple places. Most edit the letters slightly for each application, but in general, the bulk of it will be the same for each place.
See what they mean when they ask for references and recommenders. In my experience, a reference is often someone you worked for (in a lab, at a part time job, maybe even a supervisor where you did significant volunteer work, etc), and a letter of recommendation is often more academic (professor, someone you did research with, etc). If you’re unsure what they want, then just ask them. Ask if your reference can write your letter of recommendation.
I would email them with a reminder of who you are, a brief explanation of what sorts of things you’re applying for, and ask if they would be willing to write a letter of recommendation for you. Offer to meet in person by coming to their office hours or at a time of their convenience. Some professors are fine just communicating via email, and some prefer to meet with you in person so I always give them the option. Let them know that many applications you are looking at are due on February 2, acknowledge that you know this is short notice, and ask if they would still be willing to write a letter in that time. Some people will and some people won’t. But you never know until you ask. I usually try to give professors at least a month of notice because they’re really busy people, but a lot of professors won’t need that much time.
If they say yes, follow up with an email with whatever they need–a resume/CV, your transcript, any forms they need to fill out, whatever. Send them a spreadsheet of the programs you’re applying to, their deadlines, and how your professor needs to submit their letter (with links, if they need to go to a website). Make it REALLY easy for them. If they have to mail letters, give them addressed and stamped envelopes.
Thank you very very much! This was very helpful!