Do recommendation letters have to be from professors?

Sometimes universities explicitly ask recommendation letters only from professors, or from both professors and employers. When asking someone for a recommendation letter it is crucial that you pick the right person. Ideally, you should have known that person for at least six months before asking them for a letter.

Can letters of recommendation be written by anyone?

A character or personal reference letter can be written by a family friend, mentor, or neighbor who can attest to the traits that would make them a good candidate for the position they are seeking.

Who can provide recommendation letter?

A recommendation letter is typically written by an employer, professional business connection, client, teacher, coach or by someone else who can recommend an individual’s work or academic performance. Recommendations can also be provided by personal references who can attest to an applicant’s character and abilities.

Can non teachers write letters of recommendation?

In that case, you can still get non-teachers to write you a letter. It will be called a “letter of support” rather than a recommendation letter. I encourage students to get letters of support from non-teachers who can speak highly of their actions in a non-school setting.

Can an academic advisor write a letter of recommendation?

In general, the best letters of recommendation are from people who: Have worked with you closely (e.g., a research supervisor) Have known you long enough to write with authority (e.g., academic advisor) Have relevant expertise (e.g., professors in the case of academic applications)

How do professors get letters of recommendation?

Make a formal request of your professor (by email or by appointment), asking if he or she would be willing to write a letter or fill out a form on your behalf. Explain the purpose of the recommendation and why you have chosen the professor. Give the professor time to consider your request.

What to give a professor who is writing a letter of recommendation?

Documents which are likely to be most useful include: • A copy of your transcript. A copy of your resume (if you have one), or a list of activities, relevant experiences. A copy of your personal statement/ essay (talking about your strengths, experiences, goals) — even if it’s in a very rough form.

Who should write letters of recommendation for Masters?

It is important that a recommendation letter be written by someone who knows you well academically. Faculty members most commonly write letters of recommendation; however, other professionals who know you well and have supervised your work in academia or research may also be appropriate choices.

Can you ask a retired professor for a letter of recommendation?

Yes, it’s a plus if you can get letters from people who are well known, but the most important thing is to get letters from people who know you best, so I don’t see a serious concern from what you’ve told us. (Though now that he’s retired, it’s possible he is harder to contact or less inclined to write letters.)

How do non teachers ask for letters of recommendation?

These people are also likely writing fewer recommendations than teachers will be writing, so they are great resources when getting a jump on your application. Have a question about applying to college you’d like to be answered? Send us an email or check out our Admissions Counseling services.

Can I ask an advisor for a letter of recommendation?

Academic advisors, supervisors, professors and colleagues—both present and past—are all appropriate people you can email to ask for a letter of recommendation. The person you approach should be someone who knows you well and has a positive perception of your work.