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On #academictwitter people refer to a #HiddenCurriculum of informally acquired knowledge about how our world works that not everyone has equal access too.
I want to do some unhiding of this, in a few threads over the next few weeks...
Today = letters of recommendation! 1/n
I want to do some unhiding of this, in a few threads over the next few weeks...
Today = letters of recommendation! 1/n
Like most people at my career stage I've had a ton of experience with letters of recommendation (LORs). I've asked others to write them for me, written bunches myself, and having served on our epidemiology MPH admissions committee for years, I've read boatloads. 2/n
So, how do you go about getting good letters that advance the case that YOU should be selected for what you are applying for? 3/n
Step 1: Consider potential recommenders. These should be people that can fill in gaps in your application and underline the strengths you are trying to emphasize. 4/n
For instance, if applying for an academic program, be sure that at least one of your recommenders can say you are a great student.
Are you applying for a fellowship that will involve a lot of writing? Then make sure at least one recommender can comment on that! 5/n
Are you applying for a fellowship that will involve a lot of writing? Then make sure at least one recommender can comment on that! 5/n
The Key: Be sure that your bouquet of recommenders can cover the areas of yourself that you are trying to present in the application. For instance, if applying to grad school, I would NOT advise getting all three recommendations from non-academic people. 6/n
Many times there will be questions on recommendation forms about how well the recommender knows the applicant, for how long, and how they compare to others you've worked with. 7/n
A recommender doesn't need to have known you forever or think that you are their #1 best student out of the gazillions they've worked with but keep in mind that they may have to answer these questions and keep this in mind when you get to...
Step 2: The ask! 8/n
Step 2: The ask! 8/n
General rule: Whenever you want anything from someone, do whatever you can to make it easy for them to give it to you.
To ask for a LOR, 1st send a *brief,* friendly e-mail that describes what you are applying for, what you are up to now, and when the letter is due. 9/n
To ask for a LOR, 1st send a *brief,* friendly e-mail that describes what you are applying for, what you are up to now, and when the letter is due. 9/n
Most people will only say yes to a light, friendly request if they feel they can write good letter. If they say no, they either don't have time, don't know you well enough, or for some other reasons can't write you a strong letter.
Don't be bummed, say thanks & move along! 10/n
Don't be bummed, say thanks & move along! 10/n
If they say yes, in your next e-mail send them: 1) Your resume / CV, 2) 3-6 bullet points about what you'd like them to emphasize, 3) A description of what you are applying for, and 11/n 4) An outline or draft of your personal statement if you have one.
Those 3-6 bullet points 
are KEY Your recommender needs to know their purpose in your LOR bouquet, what gaps their letter might be addressing, what to highlight that is specific what you are applying for.
Doing a good job of this will help you and them a lot.
12/n
Ideally, send all of this at least 2 weeks before it's due.
And remind them of the deadline in this e-mail, again. (I know you did it in the 1st e-mail, but do it again here.)
And of course, say thank you!
13/n
And remind them of the deadline in this e-mail, again. (I know you did it in the 1st e-mail, but do it again here.)
And of course, say thank you!
13/n
Two days before the letter is due, they probably won't haven't submitted it. (Sorry, it's not you, everyone is busy, this is how it goes!) Check and if they haven't submitted it, drop them a note reminding them of the deadline and ask if they need more info from you. 14/n
One more thing... I hear many people feel intimidated when asking professors for LORs, like it's a huge burden and a BIG ask. PLEASE don't feel this way. Writing LORs for you is part of our job! Honestly it's delightful to write letters for students we enjoy working with. 15/n
Finally, it all should be in and you are done! Be sure that went you find out whether you got the thing, regardless of whether you got it, write your recommenders and e-mail updating them on what happened and thank them again. 16/n
People who write recs: I know you are busy, I know you may have been asking people to draft recs from you that you just sign for years, but please consider stopping this practice and writing them yourself... https://twitter.com/klts0/status/1273014190932885504
Asking the applicant to write one really puts applicants who haven’t seen many recs, don’t have a network of people to ask for sample recs from, aren’t good at tooting their own horn, or just aren’t familiar with the conventions of letter of rec writing at a disadvantage.
Applicants, if you are asked to draft a letter yourself, I’d recommend trying to get a few examples. This will help. And please don’t hesitate when talking about your strengths!
