How to Ask for a College Recommendation Letter via Email
Source prepory.com
College applicants need recommendation letters to showcase their qualifications. Professors, teachers, guidance counselors, and employers serve as ideal recommenders. When crafting an email to request a recommendation letter, personalization, a clear ask, and a polite tone are paramount. This comprehensive guide provides step-by-step instructions and email templates to assist applicants in effectively requesting and securing strong recommendation letters for their college applications.
The Golden Guide to Crafting the Perfect Recommendation Letter Request Email
Requesting a recommendation letter for college can be a nerve-wracking task, but with the right approach, you can make a positive impression and increase your chances of getting a glowing endorsement.
Crafting the Email
Subject Line: Keep it concise and clear, such as “Recommendation Letter Request for College Application.”
Salutation:
- Use a formal salutation, such as “Dear Professor Smith.”
- If possible, personalize the greeting by mentioning a specific class or interaction.
Introduction:
- Start by introducing yourself and mentioning your current educational status.
- State the purpose of your email, i.e., to request a recommendation letter.
Body Paragraphs:
- Remind the professor of your interactions: Briefly mention how you know them, e.g., “I was in your [course name] class from [start date] to [end date].”
- Highlight your strengths and accomplishments: Discuss relevant skills, qualities, and academic achievements that the professor can attest to.
- Explain your need for a letter: State which college and programs you’re applying to and why you believe the professor’s recommendation would be valuable.
- Provide details about the deadline: Include the specific submission date and any other pertinent information.
- Request their willingness to write: Politely ask if they are able to provide a recommendation letter and express your appreciation.
Closing Paragraph:
- Thank the professor for their consideration.
- Restate the submission deadline.
- Provide your contact information for follow-up.
Call to Action:
- Send a reminder email a few days before the deadline.
- Follow up with a thank-you note after receiving the letter.
Additional Tips:
Consider the following pointers to enhance your request:
- Be professional: Maintain a formal and respectful tone throughout the email.
- Proofread carefully: Check for any grammatical or spelling errors.
- Keep it brief: Limit your email to a few concise paragraphs.
- Be specific: Include specific examples and details that demonstrate your qualities.
- Personalize it: If possible, tailor the email to each individual professor’s strengths and interests.
| Don’t | Do |
|---|---|
| “Would you mind writing me a letter?” | “I am writing to formally request a letter of recommendation for my college application.” |
| “I need a letter for my school applications.” | “I am applying to [college name]’s [program name] and believe your letter would significantly support my application.” |
| “I was in your class last year.” | “I am a former student from your [course name] class, where I consistently excelled in [relevant area].” |
7 Sample College Recommendation Letter Request Emails
For Graduate School Application
Dear Professor [Professor’s Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to request a letter of recommendation for my application to [Graduate Program Name] at [University Name]. As a former student in your [Course Name] class, I deeply appreciate your guidance and mentorship throughout that semester.
In your class, I consistently exceeded expectations and received an A grade. I was particularly impressed by your expertise in [Topic Area]. I believe your insights into my academic abilities, research experience, and potential as a graduate student would be invaluable to the admissions committee.
- Please let me know if you are able to write me a strong letter.
- I have attached my resume and transcript for your reference.
- The deadline for the application is [Deadline Date].
Thank you for your time and consideration. I eagerly await your response.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
For Job Application
Dear [Professor’s Name],
I am writing to request a letter of recommendation for my application to the position of [Position Name] at [Company Name]. I recently graduated from [University Name] with a major in [Major].
As a former student in your [Course Name] class, I was deeply impressed by your knowledge of [Industry] and your practical experience in [Job-Related Skills]. I believe your insights into my work ethic, analytical abilities, and communication skills would be highly valuable to the hiring manager.
- Please let me know if you are willing to write me a letter.
- I have attached my resume and cover letter for your reference.
- The deadline for the application is [Deadline Date].
I would be grateful for the opportunity to discuss my application with you further. Please let me know when it would be convenient for me to schedule a brief phone call or meeting.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
For Scholarship Application
Dear [Professor’s Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to request a letter of recommendation for my application to the [Scholarship Name] scholarship. I am a [Year] student at [University Name], majoring in [Major].
As a student in your [Course Name] class, I was consistently impressed by your dedication to fostering a supportive learning environment. I believe your insights into my academic achievements, extracurricular involvement, and personal qualities would strengthen my scholarship application.
- Please let me know if you are available to write me a letter.
- I have attached my scholarship application materials for your reference.
- The deadline for the application is [Deadline Date].
I am confident that your letter would make a positive impression on the scholarship committee. I would be honored if you would consider writing me a strong recommendation.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
For Internship Application
Dear [Professor’s Name],
I hope you are having a great day. I am writing to request a letter of recommendation for my application to the [Internship Name] internship program at [Company Name]. I am a [Year] student at [University Name], majoring in [Major].
In your [Course Name] class, I consistently demonstrated my strong interest in [Industry]. I believe your insights into my technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and work ethic would be valuable to the internship selection committee.
- Please let me know if you are willing to write me a letter.
- I have attached my resume and transcript for your reference.
- The deadline for the application is [Deadline Date].
I am eager to discuss my application with you further. Please let me know if you would be available for a brief meeting or phone call.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
For Personal Statement
Dear [Professor’s Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to request a letter of recommendation for my personal statement. I am planning to apply to [Program Name] at [Institution Name].
I believe your insights into my personal journey, growth mindset, and leadership potential would be invaluable to the admissions committee. In your [Course Name] class, I particularly appreciated your ability to connect with students on a personal level.
- Please let me know if you are able to write me a strong letter.
- I have attached a draft of my personal statement for your reference.
- The deadline for the application is [Deadline Date].
I understand that you are a busy person, so I am open to meeting with you at your convenience to discuss my application further.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
For Transfer Application
Dear [Professor’s Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to request a letter of recommendation for my application to transfer to [University Name]. I am currently a [Year] student at [Current University Name], majoring in [Major].
In your [Course Name] class, I was consistently motivated and engaged. I believe your insights into my academic abilities, extracurricular involvement, and future aspirations would be highly valuable to the transfer admissions committee.
- Please let me know if you are willing to write me a letter.
- I have attached my transcript and resume for your reference.
- The deadline for the application is [Deadline Date].
I would be grateful for the opportunity to discuss my application with you further. Please let me know when it would be convenient for me to schedule a brief phone call or meeting.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Follow-Up Email
Dear [Professor’s Name],
I hope you are well. I am writing to follow up on my previous email regarding my request for a letter of recommendation. I understand that you may be busy, so I wanted to check in and see if you had a chance to consider my request.
I am still very interested in receiving a letter of recommendation from you. I believe your insights would be invaluable to my application process. I am available to meet with you at your convenience to discuss my application further.
Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns. I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
How to Ask for a College Recommendation Letter Email
Question:
How can I write an effective email to request a letter of recommendation from a college professor?
Answer:
Subject-predicate-object format:
- Subject: Request for Letter of Recommendation
- Predicate: Dear [Professor’s name], I am writing to request a letter of recommendation for my college application.
- Object: I am [your name], a student in your [course name] class.
Entity-attributes-value format:
- Entity: Professor
- Attribute: Name
- Value: [Professor’s name]
- Entity: Student
- Attribute: Name
- Value: [Your name]
- Entity: Course
- Attribute: Name
- Value: [Course name]
Additional tips:
- Be brief and to the point. Professors are busy people, so make your email as concise as possible.
- State your purpose clearly. Let the professor know that you are requesting a letter of recommendation for your college application.
- Provide context. Remind the professor of your class and how you performed.
- Be specific about the qualities you want the professor to highlight. For example, you could ask them to write about your academic abilities, leadership skills, or work ethic.
- Express your appreciation. Thank the professor for their time and consideration.
How to Follow Up on a Recommendation Letter
Question:
What is the best way to follow up with a college professor after you have requested a letter of recommendation?
Answer:
- Send a reminder email. A week or two after you have submitted your request, send a reminder email to the professor. In this email, thank them for their time and inquire about the status of your letter.
- Be patient. Professors are busy people, so don’t expect them to respond immediately. Give them a reasonable amount of time to complete your letter.
- Follow up in person. If you have not received a response after a few weeks, consider following up in person. Visit the professor’s office during their office hours and inquire about your letter. Be polite and professional.
How to Write a Thank-You Note After Receiving a Recommendation Letter
Question:
What should I include in a thank-you note to a college professor who has written me a letter of recommendation?
Answer:
- Express your gratitude. Thank the professor for taking the time to write you a letter of recommendation.
- Be specific. mention specific qualities that the professor highlighted in your letter.
- Reiterate your interest. Remind the professor why you are applying to college and what your goals are.
- Offer to help. Let the professor know that you are happy to help them in the future, if needed.
And that, my fellow college applicant, is how you craft the perfect email to request a letter of recommendation. Remember to be polite, specific, and timely. And a little bit of schmoozing never hurts!
Thanks for reading, and be sure to check back in soon for more college admissions advice. We’ve got you covered every step of the way!