Graduate School

1. Why do they matter?

Most graduate and professional programs require recommendation letters and will not review your application without them. While their weight varies by program, these letters provide admissions committees with qualitative insight into your academic capabilities and personal achievements.

2. Who should I ask?

Academic programs prioritize feedback from scholars who can vouch for your intellectual abilities.

• The Ideal Mix: Aim for two letters from faculty members within your specific major/discipline, and a third letter from a faculty member in another area.
• Professional Supplements: Letters from supervisors or research mentors who have evaluated your work in a professional or field-related setting are also highly valuable.
• What to Avoid: Do not submit character references from family, friends, politicians, or personal healthcare providers.

3. When should I request them?

The best time to request a letter is right after you complete a course or project, while your excellent performance is fresh in the professor’s mind. Gather your application materials for all target schools and approach your references all at once, giving them plenty of advance notice before the deadline.

4. What should I provide to my references?

Schedule a brief meeting with your potential recommenders to discuss your academic goals. Ask them directly: “Do you feel you know my work well enough to write a strong, supportive recommendation for this program?” If they agree, provide them with a packet that includes:

• Your current resume or CV.
• A copy of your academic transcript.
• Samples of coursework, exams, or major papers you completed under their instruction.

5. Where and how should they be submitted?

Always follow each graduate school’s precise submission instructions.

• Digital Portals: Most modern applications require you to enter your recommender’s email so they can upload the letter directly.
• Mail-In Options: If a school requires physical copies, provide your reference with a pre-addressed, stamped envelope. If you are required to mail it yourself, ensure the professor gives you the letter in a signed, sealed envelope.

6. Waive your right to view? (Confidentiality)

Admissions committees heavily prefer confidential letters (where you waive your right to see the content) because they are considered more candid and objective. Discuss this with your recommenders if you have questions.

Note: UMA does not offer a central holding or dossier service for letters of recommendation.

What Graduate Admissions Committees Look For

If your professor or supervisor asks what details they should emphasize, or if you want to know how you are being evaluated, here is what graduate schools look for:

Key Evaluation Questions:

• In what capacity and for how long have you known the applicant?
• What are the applicant’s primary strengths and weaknesses as a potential graduate student?
• How does the applicant interact with peers, faculty, and staff?
• Is the applicant working to their full potential, and how do they compare to their peers?
• How well does the applicant handle constructive feedback and criticism?
• How genuinely motivated is the applicant to pursue this specific advanced degree?

Valued Skills and Characteristics:

• Academic Excellence: High-quality scholarship, strong written/oral communication, and consistency of performance.
• Intellectual Mindset: Intellectual curiosity and future promise as a researcher or practitioner.
• Personal Attributes: Integrity, honesty, maturity, and strong social/collaboration skills.