Letters of recommendation questions

[GeoffO]

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Hi everyone....I've been reading this forum for a while but this is my first post.


My question is basically how everyone went about getting letters of recommendation. I know who I want to get them from and I have already made verbal contracts with these people. I am unclear however, on the actual process of getting the letters.

specifically:
- If I am applying to a few MSW and Psy.D programs, do I ask the people for one letter?
- Is there a general letter which I can use for numerous schools?
- Are professors/employers accustomed to writing a few (up to 8?) letters to cater to each of the schools?
- do I get the letters back from them and send them to the schools or do they send them directly?


Thank you very much for your time

 

[blindchaos]

a LOT of this depends on the protocol of the programs you are applying to. Some have their own specific form they want the writers to fill out WITH a free form letter, some just want their own form filled out and nothing else, some just ask for a letter with no further guidelines. Sometimes the writers will use the same letter for all the schools, others will create individualized letters. In regards to the last question, again some schools require that letters come directly from the writers, others request that you send absolutely everything together (typically with the letter writers signature over the flap of the envelope)

When I applied just this past fall, I applied to 14 programs. However, 14 seemed like a lot of letters for people to write so I asked more people to write letters than I absolutely needed so they each wrote about 7 letters. The majority of the writers wanted my CV to reference and a few wanted info regarding why I liked each school individually and what made me a good fit for each school. I wound up putting this whole packet 'o stuff together with all the info one could possibly need along with instructions and pre-stamped and addressed envelopes (for schools that wanted letters directly from the writers) and everything for each writer. There may also have been timelines included along with some color coding.....I went a *bit* overboard! However, they seemed to like having it all thoroughly organized and clearly written out everything they needed to do (though one called me OCD 😛) and it seemed to be particularly helpful to letter writer who tended to be forgetful or just always late. It was clear from the start what they needed to do and when they needed to do it.

I strongly urge you to create your own deadlines in regards to when letters are due. I set my deadlines about two weeks before the apps were due so there was still some wiggle room if something came up or if someone just got a bit behind (if the school deadline was Jan 15, I told writers it needed to be in by Jan 1). I think schools tend to be somewhat flexible with letters if they're coming directly from the writer but I really wanted absolutely everything to be in on time if not early.

**caveat - do not think you need to go to these lengths in regards to getting your letters. Some of my peers just handed people a stack of forms and just collected them whenever they happened to be done and they got their stuff in ok. I just personally feel better if everything is thoroughly organized and planned out step by step to ensure that everything gets done in due time (control issues perhaps? 😛) Anyway, there's my $.02

 

[SeaSquirt]

First, figure out the programs you're applying to, then find out what their requirements are for letters of rec. Some programs will use pre-printed forms for professors to fill out, usually ranking you on Likert scales in terms of motivation, ability to succeed, etc. Others won't have any forms and will want the people to write a general letter.

After you figure out what the requirements are, type up a paper that lets your letter writers know what these requirements are. Ex:

1) Program A - Psy.D. This school uses printed letter of recommendations (enclosed). Applications are due December 15. Please sign the envelope across the flap and return to the applicant.

2) Program B - MSW. This school does not provide pre-printed forms. Applications are due January 1. Please use the stamped envelope to mail it directly to the school.


When I organized my list, I ranked the programs by due date so faculty members would finish the ones due early first.

Some programs want the letters submitted electronically, some will have professors return the letters to the applicant with their signature across the envelope's seal, and some will want the professors to mail the letters directly to the program. If a program doesn't specify, call the departmental secretary and find out. Also be mindful of the address it's supposed to be mailed to. A lot of programs want LORs to be mailed to the Graduate Department, not the Psychology Department.

After this sheet is complete, make up a folder with this sheet, stamped envelopes, and the pre-printed forms the faculty will fill out. Also include your C.V. and a statement of career goals if possible to help them guide their letter. It makes it very easy for the letter writers to have all the materials in one spot.

Your professors will most likely write one letter and change the name of the school, so they'd be happy to do 8-20 letters for you. It won't take them much more time than doing just one.

Just make sure to provide stamped and addressed envelopes, clear instructions, and give them plenty of time to get it done! (At least 2 months in advance of the first due date.)

Good luck.

 

[erg923]

Yes, you have to get one copy of each letter for each school. If you are applying to 5 programs, then the professor will send out 5 copies of their letter. Don't worry, they are used to sending out a bunch. I applied to 15 programs. Often times they (the professors) will send the letter directly to the program themselves. Just make sure you give them the list of schools with the addresses (maybe envelopes already addressed to the school to save them the trouble). Sometimes however, programs want everything in one packet. In this case, just specify which programs these are, and have the professor put the letter in a sealed envelope with the signature written across the seal and give it back to you. You will likely never see your letters.

And, Yes, most often, professors just write one letter for you that they use for all your schools. However, in your case, sounds like you applying to 2 very different kinds of programs (MSW and Psy.D.). Is this correct? These are 2 very different programs requiring different skills sets. I would think that professor would write one for a Psy.D., highlighting the characteristics they value, and then one for the MSW, highlighting your fit there.

 

[erg923]

I guess I type too slow.....

 

[GeoffO]

Yes, it is for both MSW and Psy.D programs.

I suppose I didn't know if professors would be expecting to write 8-10 different letters. My question was answered though thank you!

-Geoff