How to Write a Letter of Reference
The Graduate Admissions Committee uses
references as one means to obtain an independent assessment of your
capabilities, experience, and your determination for the chosen degree
program.
As a courtesy, print out the Reference Form and provide your
writer with a pre-addressed envelope (Use mail address below). Inform
your reference that they should sign their letter and mail the letter
directly and not return it to you.
In case a Letter of Reference is given to you,
you may enclose it when you mail your application to us. However, the
letter, signed by the writer, must be submitted in its original,
sealed envelope.
You are required to tell your letter writer whether
you have retained the right to read their letter once it has been
entered into your student file or whether you have waived the right to
access their letter. This choice is your free choice but it may affect
the information or style of the letter submitted.
Who are appropriate
references?
Likely candidates are your professors and faculty advisors. You may also
consider others, such as employers, that can assess your qualities in
ways that your professors can not. Letters from family members are not
appropriate.
When selecting 3 references, keep in mind that each should be
able to provide the Graduate Admissions Committee with an assessment of
your capabilities, experience, personality and your determination for
the chosen degree program. Inform them what you expect them to address.
Emphasize that they should write an assessment of you that allows an
appropriate admission decision to be reached.
The writer may chose how a Letter of Reference
will be submitted:
- using the Reference Form
- using a letter designed by the writer
If the writer chooses to send a letter, please
include:
- the name and address of the applicant
- whether the applicant retains or waives
the right to read the letter
- the full name and address of the writer
including phone number
- For purposes of comparative assessment of
applicants, we ask that the writer address the questions raised in
the Letter of Reference form.
Note that the Letter of Reference form offers the
opportunity to insert any personal Letter, recommendation or extended
statement.
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Teacher Letter of Reference |
