Advice for Securing Letters of Recommendation for Graduate School: 5 FAQs Answered

Applying to graduate school is an exciting step, but it can also feel overwhelming. Between personal statements, transcripts, and deadlines, it’s easy to underestimate one important piece of the process: your letters of recommendation.

Strong letters of recommendation for graduate school do more than check a box. They give admissions committees a deeper understanding of who you are: your work ethic, your character and your potential to succeed.

The good news? With a thoughtful approach, you can set yourself and those who recommend you up for success. Here’s how to navigate the process with confidence.

Why Are Letters of Recommendation Important?

Graduate programs review more than just grades and resumes. They’re looking for students who will contribute meaningfully to their academic community and chosen profession. That’s where graduate school letters of recommendation come in.

A well-written letter can:·      

• Highlight your strengths through real examples
• Confirm your readiness for advanced study
• Speak to your integrity, leadership, and commitment

In many ways, these letters offer a more complete picture of who you are as a learner and professional. This is your chance to expand beyond what transcripts and test scores can show.

Who Should You Ask to Write Your Letters of Recommendation?

Choosing the right recommender is one of the most important decisions you’ll make in this process. The best letters come from people who know you well and can speak to your abilities in a meaningful way.

Depending on your background, consider asking:    

• Professors who have taught you in relevant coursework
• Supervisors or managers who can speak to your professional skills
• Mentors or advisors who have guided your development

If you’re a working professional or returning to school after time in the workforce, don’t worry if you’ve been out of the classroom. Many graduate programs value professional insights just as much as academic ones, especially for adult learners balancing career growth and education.

Above all, prioritize someone who can provide specific, detailed insight — not just a recognizable name or title.

How Do You Ask for a Letter of Recommendation?

Asking for a recommendation can feel intimidating, but approaching it with professionalism and respect makes all the difference. Follow these tips:

Make your request early: Give your recommender plenty of time (ideally four to six weeks before your application deadline). This allows them to write a thoughtful, personalized letter rather than rushing at the last minute.

Make a clear, personal request: Whenever possible, ask in a way that feels personal, whether that’s a conversation, a video call, or a well-crafted email. Be clear about the program you’re applying to, why you’ve chosen them as a recommender, and what you hope to achieve through graduate study. This context helps them write a more tailored and meaningful letter that reflects your goals.

Provide supporting materials: Even if someone knows you well, they may not recall every detail of your work. Providing materials like your resume, a draft of your personal statement, a summary of key accomplishments, and clear submission instructions can make a big difference. Think of this as a collaborative process. By sharing helpful context, you’re enabling your recommender to advocate for you more effectively.

What Makes a Strong Letter of Recommendation?

Not all graduate school recommendation letters carry the same weight. The strongest ones go beyond general praise and offer specific, meaningful insight.

Admissions committees are looking for letters that include:·     

• Concrete examples of your skills and contributions
• Evidence of growth, such as how you’ve improved over time
• Alignment with your field, showing your readiness for graduate-level work
• Personal qualities, like integrity, resilience and collaboration

At The University of Scranton, these qualities are especially important. A strong letter often reflects not only academic or professional ability, but also a commitment to ethical leadership and service. These are values rooted in Jesuit tradition and the pursuit of the magis, a Latin term that means "striving for excellence."

Authenticity matters more than overly polished language. A genuine, detailed letter will always stand out.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even strong candidates can weaken their applications with avoidable missteps. Keep these in mind:·    

• Choosing someone who doesn’t know you well
• Waiting too long to ask
• Providing little or no context for your recommender
• Forgetting to follow up on deadlines

Each of these can lead to a generic or rushed letter, which doesn’t reflect your full potential.

What Should You Do After Receiving Your Letter of Recommendation?

Once your request is accepted, it’s important to stay organized and respectful of your recommender’s time.       

• Send a gentle reminder about one to two weeks before the deadline
• Confirm submission requirements and deadlines clearly
• Always say thank you, whether through an email or a handwritten note

After you receive your admissions decisions, consider sharing your results. Letting your recommender know the outcome not only shows appreciation but also helps maintain a meaningful professional relationship.

Move Forward with Confidence

As you prepare your graduate school application, remember that every component tells part of your story. Your letters of recommendation help bring that story to life.

Scranton’s graduate programs are designed to support your academic, professional, and personal growth. With flexible online options, dedicated faculty and a commitment to educating the whole person, Scranton helps you move forward with purpose.

Explore our graduate programs or connect with an admissions counselor to learn how you can take the next step in your journey.