As I was gearing up to ask a couple of professors for recommendation letters, I found myself a bit lost on what to actually send them. I didn’t want to just blurt out, 'Can you write me a recommendation?' without some context!
First off, I sent them an email outlining what I was applying for, the deadlines, and why I thought they’d be the perfect fit to write my letters. I included personal anecdotes and specific projects we worked on together. This way, they could include meaningful details in their letters.
Also, I attached my resume and my personal statement draft. It helped remind them of my achievements and aspirations. Plus, it gave them a solid foundation to write from, especially if they were busy and didn’t want to dig through old records.
Don’t forget to ask them in person if you can! It made a huge difference in terms of connection and they seemed more willing to help. Just make sure to follow up with a thank you note afterward, expressing appreciation for their time and support.
Hope this helps someone else out there! Good luck!