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Recommending You!Jul 16 '01 Write an essay on this topic.The Bottom Line Getting glowing recommendations can help garner acceptances rather than rejections...here's a guide to how to get them! Who should recommend you? How should you go about getting glowing (non-radioactive) recommendations? Here's a mini-handbook to help! Well Known: Well Done Get recommendations from those who know you well enough to write a personal (rather than generic) recommendation. So if the only contact that you've had is that this person graded your ScanTron, multiple-choice final exam, it is not likely that this person is the best candidate for Recommender. So if it's not too late, get to know a few of your professors or other potential recommenders. I'm not saying to schmooze only to get on their good side. Nor am I saying to be a pest or a stalker. But I am saying that genuine friendships sure can help! Only if the person knows you well can it be an outstanding recommendation. Otherwise, instead of well-done, you might get medium raw...which doesn't taste good to any admissions committee. Lukewarm?: Then Spit it Out! When asking someone for a recommendation, back off from those who give a lukewarm response. It's not a good sign if the response is: a) who are you? b) um, if you insist, I'll have my secretary fill out my form recommendation c) You?! Law school??? *sinister laughter* Bad recommendations can KILL an application. The more specific, personal and glowing a recommendation can be, the better. So if you get a lukewarm response, spit it out. Don't let such a person get within 10 feet of a recommendation form for you! Value Added It can help to give a recommender your resume, personal statement(s), and other information--especially if the person doesn't yet know you well. Letting the recommender "interview" you in the office, over lunch, etc. could also help. Advance No, I don't mean a $$$ advance! :-) That would be called: bribery. Definitely, however, give plenty of advance notice to your recommenders. Handing a rumpled recommendation form to a recommender 23 hours before it's due is NOT a prescription for success! Aftermath Regardless of results, thank your recommenders! They spent their time focusing on you to try to help your future opportunities. Whether it's a thank-you note, profuse (but not overdone) verbal thanks, taking them out to a meal, a gift certificate, etc., you ought to let them know your appreciation. No, this isn't supposed to be a back-end bribe. Yet at the same time, if/when you need another recommendation... Load'em Up Send as many strong recommendations as an admissions committee would want to receive. This depends on the particular admissions committee. If you're not sure about the approach of a particular committee, ask! If they say, don't send more than three, don't. If they say, send as many good ones as you have, do. Note that I said "good" ones. If it says: "Johnny is o.k. I'm not sure if he will do well at your school but he insisted I write this. Johnny is not very memorable so I'm afraid this is all I have to say. If you have any questions, please do not contact me. I don't have that kind of time to waste." DON'T send such pseudo-recommendations! Conclusion Glowing recommendations that demonstrate that the recommender knows you well and thinks the world of you can make the difference between a thin envelope (rejection) and a big package (acceptance). Your recommendations can increase the weight of your freight in a way that would be quite pleasing to you. These tips can help you towards UPS/Federal Express delight! Best wishes as you are recommended into your future!!  |
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