Take Care in Asking for a Letter of Recommendation

You already know that letters of recommendation are critical components of your application to graduate school. Most students find soliciting recommendation letters the most stressful part of the application process. You have little control over your letters and you likely will never see them. Of course that's stressful! That's why you need to be very careful about getting experiences that help you develop good relationships with faculty and approaching your request for a recommendation letter in a way that makes it easy for a professor to give an honest response on whether he or she can write a helpful letter on your behalf. You don't want any letter of recommendation, you want a helpful letter. Recognize the difference and be careful because some faculty will write you an average or even mediocre letter rather than decline your request. Ask appropriately, pay attention to what not to do in soliciting a letter of recommendation, and give the faculty member an out -- and then listen very carefully for subtle cues that indicate a faculty member's feelings.