Instructions for Requesting Letters of Recommendation

North Carolina A&T State University Department of Biology

(Prepared by the Pre-professional Health Careers Committee)

Students requesting letters of recommendation should abide by the following rules: 1. Request a letter of recommendation from a faculty member who knows you well (preferably longer than 1 semester) and can attest to your abilities, scientific knowledge, character and future goals. If you participated in a research/internship program or if you shadowed a professional, you should strongly consider requesting a letter from them. Your request should be made at least two weeks before the due date. Do not force anyone to write you a rushed or weak letter. A bad letter is just as bad as no letter! 2. Ask the proposed recommender if s/he can write you a strong letter of recommendation. If the answer is no, you should choose someone else to write your letter. 3. If the person agrees to write a strong letter of recommendation, provide them with the following items: a. An up to date resume in which you have highlighted the important points listed below: i. Your interaction with the recommender. For example, which class you took with this professor and the grade you earned, or the organization in which you worked with the recommender, etc ii. Any activities, club involvement, etc that you would like the recommender to mention in the letter b. Provide information about the program or organization to which you are applying: i. A flyer with the program description and requirements ii. A web site for obtaining additional information iii. **Highlight the DUE DATE for the letter of recommendation c. Provide the recommender a brief paragraph stating why you are interested in the program/position and your future goals, OR have a short discussion with the recommender about these topics d. ***Provide the recommender with a stamped, addressed envelope and note the specific day that you would like the letter to be completed. **Send the recommender a REMINDER email 3-4 days before the letter needs to be completed.