guiding recommenders in what to write

[dmf2682]

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I know some people like to give their recommenders a package with a resume, maybe their personal statement, and sometimes a guide on writing effective letters.

But does anyone ever try and guide their writers in what to write in order to build a theme around their application? For example, if you're trying to make diversity a main theme on your app with a ps centered on it, do you try and get writers to support that? Or do you just ask from people who have seen you do good things and hope they include them?

 

[carnelian]

I know some people like to give their recommenders a package with a resume, maybe their personal statement, and sometimes a guide on writing effective letters.

But does anyone ever try and guide their writers in what to write in order to build a theme around their application? For example, if you're trying to make diversity a main theme on your app with a ps centered on it, do you try and get writers to support that? Or do you just ask from people who have seen you do good things and hope they include them?

You can write a cover letter highlighting some of the times you did in their class/lab/setting and hope that they will include those. I wouldn't outright ask them to write about specific things though. You'd still need to ask people who have seen you do those things though, regardless of whether you "guide them." Otherwise they'd have no support for what they write.