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Letters of Recommendation
It’s always a good idea to be thinking about letters of recommendation early in your undergraduate career.
- Make note of those professors you felt a real connection with or whose course really inspired or motivated you.
- Select recommenders who can address the issues appropriate to the specific school and field of study, if possible. Make sure these individuals can write you a strong recommendation. If possible, ask for the recommendation in person.
- Give your recommender ample time to write and inform them of the date the recommendations are due.
- Provide recommenders with addressed, stamped envelopes and background materials about you, your goals and remind them of when you were in their class or worked for them, etc. to help them write a meaningful letter on your behalf.
- They may ask you to draft a letter for them – be specific about what knowledge they have of your work, what class of theirs you were in, what your grade(s) was, qualities you demonstrated that might make you stand out.
- Use institutional forms when they are provided.
Personal Statement
This is your opportunity to really let your program of interest know you and to create a memorable impression. How you do that is a combination of the things described below.
- Use this opportunity to demonstrate your communication skills, personal motivation, focus, commitment, enthusiasm, creativity, maturity, energy level, positive attitude, and depth of thought. Compliment the strength of the program or school.
- State your educational objective early and support your choice with evidence of critical thinking, understanding of the workings and purpose of graduate education, and career outcomes.
- Paint a clear enough picture of yourself and your motivations to differentiate yourself without an exhaustive personal history.
- Be clear, strong, and succinct.
- Begin with a powerful statement that engages the reader. Examples from actual personal statements: “Since Condolezza Rice already has my job . . . .”’; “Paradigm shifts can be powerful.”
- Invite critiques from faculty and/or your campus career center before finalizing.
- Produce your essays on high quality paper with letter quality printing.
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