| Getting Into A Psychology Graduate Program |
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Page 5 of 8 Letters of Recommendation 
When I took Professional & Career Issues in Psychology, Dr. Subich mentioned that we’d be wise to get to know faculty because during the application process for grad school, we’d need three letter-writers to recommend us. I was sure glad I heeded her advice in the next two years, forming friendships with a few professors that were more than happy to write me a letter. If you haven’t done this, it’s not too late, but it certainly does help. There are three basic steps to getting a professor to write you a letter of recommendation: 1. Selection and Request While it may be tempting to ask your boss or friendly co-worker to write you a letter, most programs want letters from people in the field, namely psychology professors or practicing psychologists. Selecting good letter-writers is important. You want to find people that know you well enough to write a well-informed and thoughtful letter. A letter that states “Bob was a great student, always did well on tests, and didn’t smell bad” may be complimentary, but it doesn’t give the admissions committee much to go on. Once you’ve found the three people you’d like to vouch for you, be tactful in how you approach. Drop by their office or set up an appointment. Tell them that you really appreciate all they’ve done for you in the past, and that you’d be honored if they would write you a letter. Most professors, assuming they feel they know you well enough, will oblige you. 2. The Materials The Most important step is the materials you need to get to your letter writers. It is considered good form to get those materials to them by early October so they have ample time to write. Here is what should be inside your packet of materials: o Envelopes, stamped and addressed, to each program you are applying to.3. The Follow-up Now most of my letter-writers are saintly people who took the time to put a lot of effort into their letters, I’m sure. However, they are just people, and we’re on a deadline here! Around early December, check in with your letter writers and mention to them that you’re sending in your application. They’ll get the hint to make sure there’s has gotten in too. Many professors get bogged down with letter requests near the end of the semester and rush through them. Make sure they have already had time to work on yours well in advance. |
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