Most faculty members are happy to provide letters of recommendation when given sufficient notice. If you would like a faculty member to write a letter of recommendation, please e-mail the faculty member as soon as possible to arrange a time to meet in person, to discuss whether that faculty member is the best person to write a letter of support for you.
The best faculty members to write letters are those who know you well, either because you took multiple classes from them or you worked with them on research projects, service projects, or club activities. Your academic advisor may also be a good resource for a letter of recommendation, particularly if you have been meeting with him or her regularly and sharing your goals and accomplishments.
Below are some frequently asked questions regarding letters of recommendation:
A recommendation letter is an honest assessment of various aspects of your person, including your performance in the classroom, your performance in research, your overall attitude, your work ethic, and your ability to work with others. Graduate schools, professional schools, and employers rely heavily on recommendation letters to make decisions about admissions and hiring.
While the specific content of any letter of recommendation varies, the following items could be included.
Make an appointment for a meeting with a faculty member to request your letter of recommendation. At this meeting you and the faculty member will determine if that faculty member is the best choice to write your letter. This meeting should take place at least four weeks prior to the earliest due date for your letters.
Once the faculty member has agreed to write the letter and you have provided the requested information, please send the faculty member e-mail reminders as deadlines approach, and feel free to chat about other ways you can make the letter writing process go as smoothly as possible.
After you have completed your applications and have heard back from the organization, please let the faculty member know what happened and what your future plans are. The relationship with your recommender can last well past graduation.
Your education in the College of Science and Engineering at Seattle University is the first step toward your career. With some planning, we can help you make your future what you want it to be!