How to ask for an Academic Reference

Prepare Beforehand:

• Know why you want to apply, including specifics of your research interests
• Know the deadlines for reference letters and submission requirements

Ask Your Professor

• Ask your reference if they can provide you with a strong reference
  • Try to do this about 2 months prior to the deadline and ask them in person (if possible)

Give Your Referee the Details

• If they agree, provide them with the important information over email. You may want to include:
  • Unofficial transcript
  • Resume/CV
  • Summary of program, deadlines, how they need to submit the reference
  • A few sentences about why you want to apply to the program or your statement of intent
  • Your research interests (if applicable)
  • Any specific forms they need
  • Include any information you are hoping they will talk about in their reference
    • For instance, if your lab supervisor writes a reference, would you like them to talk more about your teamwork or technical skills or both?

Follow-up:

• 3 weeks before the deadline see if your reference has any questions or if they’d like any additional information.
• If 2-3 days prior to deadline you notice nothing has been submitted, touch base with your reference and
• remind them of the deadline. Ask them if there is any information they need.
• Thank your reference. Handwritten thank you cards are a great place to start.
• Let your reference know where you ended up.