Recommendation Letter: Asking Your Professor (Samples)

Requesting a recommendation letter from a professor can feel daunting, but it’s a crucial step for graduate school applications, scholarships, and job opportunities. The key is to approach your request strategically, demonstrating professionalism and respect for the professor’s time. Start by considering which professors know you best and can speak to your strengths, academic performance, and potential. A well-prepared and personalized request significantly increases your chances of receiving a strong, impactful letter.

Before reaching out, reflect on your interactions with the professor. Did you actively participate in class? Did you excel in their course? Did you seek them out during office hours? The stronger your relationship and the more specific you can be about your achievements in their class, the easier it will be for them to write a compelling letter. Remember to provide them with all the necessary information and materials, including your resume, transcript, and a statement of purpose (if applicable).

This guide provides sample letters you can adapt to fit your specific circumstances. Each letter demonstrates how to clearly state your request, provide context for your relationship with the professor, and offer the necessary supporting documents. Remember to personalize each letter and tailor it to the individual professor you are contacting. Proofread carefully before sending, and be sure to express your sincere gratitude for their time and consideration.

Giving your professor ample time to write the letter is also essential. Aim to request the letter at least one month before the deadline, ideally even earlier. Follow up politely if you haven’t heard back within a reasonable timeframe. A prompt and professional approach reflects positively on you and increases the likelihood of a positive outcome.

Sample Letter 1: General Request

Dear Professor [Professor’s Last Name],

I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to request a letter of recommendation in support of my application to [Program Name] at [University Name]. The deadline for submission is [Date].

I thoroughly enjoyed your [Course Name] class during [Semester/Year], and I believe you gained a strong understanding of my [Skills/Abilities] based on my performance in the course, particularly in [Specific Assignment/Project]. I have attached my resume and a draft of my personal statement for your review.

Please let me know if you are able to write a letter for me by [Date – Give them time to respond]. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

[Your Student ID]

Sample Letter 2: Emphasizing a Specific Project

Dear Professor [Professor’s Last Name],

I am writing to respectfully request a letter of recommendation for my application to the [Program Name] program at [University Name], with a deadline of [Date].

I learned a great deal from your [Course Name] class in [Semester/Year]. I particularly benefited from the [Specific Project/Assignment] assignment, which helped me develop my skills in [Specific Skills]. I believe my work on that project demonstrated my ability to [Specific Ability/Achievement].

I have attached my resume, transcript, and a statement of purpose to provide further context. Would you be available to discuss this further? Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

[Your Student ID]

Sample Letter 3: Highlighting Class Participation

Dear Professor [Professor’s Last Name],

I hope this email finds you well. I am applying to [Job Title] at [Company Name] and would be honored if you would consider writing a letter of recommendation on my behalf. The deadline for submission is [Date].

I thoroughly enjoyed participating in your [Course Name] class during [Semester/Year]. I believe my active participation in discussions and my contributions to the [Specific Assignment] demonstrate my [Specific Skills/Knowledge].

I have attached my resume and a description of the job requirements. Please let me know if you are able to assist. Thank you for your time.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Sample Letter 4: Requesting a Follow-Up Conversation

Dear Professor [Professor’s Last Name],

I am writing to request a letter of recommendation for my application to the [Fellowship/Scholarship Name]. The application deadline is [Date].

I learned a great deal from your [Course Name] class, particularly regarding [Specific Topic]. I believe your insights into [Specific Concept] have greatly influenced my academic pursuits.

I have attached my application materials. Would you be available for a brief meeting to discuss my application further? Thank you for your time and support.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

[Your Student ID]

Sample Letter 5: Addressing a Long Time Since the Course

Dear Professor [Professor’s Last Name],

I hope this email finds you well. My name is [Your Name], and I was a student in your [Course Name] class during [Semester/Year]. I am writing to request a letter of recommendation in support of my application to [Graduate Program/Job].

While it has been some time since I took your class, I remember benefiting greatly from your lectures on [Specific Topic]. I believe the knowledge I gained in your course has been instrumental in my [Specific Achievement/Experience]. I have attached my resume and a brief overview of my accomplishments since graduation.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

[Your Email Address]

Sample Letter 6: Expressing Gratitude in Advance

Dear Professor [Professor’s Last Name],

I am writing to you today to request a letter of recommendation for my application to the [Program Name] program at [University Name]. The deadline to submit is [Date].

I found your [Course Name] class to be very informative, and learned so much from you! I am hoping you would be able to write a recommendation letter for me due to the significant impact that course had on my academic career.

Thank you in advance for your consideration. I would also be happy to meet with you to discuss the application in greater detail. Thank you again for all you have taught me!

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

[Your Student ID]

Sample Letter 7: Specific Skill Learned

Dear Professor [Professor’s Last Name],

I am writing to request a letter of recommendation for my application to [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. The deadline is [Date].

During your [Course Name] class, I particularly excelled in the [Skill, e.g., data analysis] aspects, demonstrating my ability to [Specific application of the skill, e.g., identify trends and make informed decisions].

I have attached my resume for your review. Thank you so much for your consideration, I hope to hear back from you soon!

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

[Your Student ID]

Sample Letter 8: Mentioning Shared Interests

Dear Professor [Professor’s Last Name],

I am writing to ask if you would be willing to write a letter of recommendation for me as I apply to the [Graduate School/Program Name] with a deadline of [Date].

I remember our conversations about [Shared Interest/Topic] after class, and I truly valued your insights. The impact of your teachings inspired me to pursue my love for [Shared Interest/Topic].

If you are willing to write a letter on my behalf, please let me know. I can provide you with all the necessary materials, including my personal statement and resume.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

[Your Student ID]

Sample Letter 9: Emphasizing Personal Growth

Dear Professor [Professor’s Last Name],

I hope this email finds you well. I am currently applying for the [Internship/Program Name] and would appreciate it if you were able to write a letter of recommendation on my behalf. The due date for the letter is [Date].

Your teachings in [Course Name] helped me grow immensely in [Specific Skill or Area]. I hope I was able to prove this during your time teaching my class.

Would you be available to discuss this request further? If so, let me know. If you decide to move forward with a recommendation letter, let me know what I can do to help make it easier.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Sample Letter 10: Directly Asking About Their Ability to Write a Strong Letter

Dear Professor [Professor’s Last Name],

I am writing to respectfully request a letter of recommendation in support of my application for [Program/Position]. The deadline for submitting the letter is [Date].

I am looking for professors that know me well, can speak to my strengths, academic performance, and potential. Would you feel you are able to write a strong letter for me?

If so, I can provide you with my resume, transcript, and a statement of purpose so you can have all the context you need. Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

[Your Student ID]

Sample Letter 11: Referencing Office Hours and Discussions

Dear Professor [Professor’s Last Name],

I hope this email finds you well. I am applying to [Job Title] at [Company Name] and believe I would be a good fit, but a recommendation letter would help ensure my application gets looked at. The deadline for submission is [Date].

I valued our discussions during your office hours, which helped me better understand [Specific Skill/Knowledge]. You helped me greatly during this course!

I have attached my resume and a description of the job requirements. Please let me know if you are able to assist. Thank you for your time.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Sample Letter 12: Requesting a Letter for a Specific Scholarship

Dear Professor [Professor’s Last Name],

I am writing to request a letter of recommendation for my application to the [Scholarship Name]. The application deadline is [Date].

I learned a great deal from your [Course Name] class, particularly regarding [Specific Topic]. The lessons I learned have inspired me to work towards this scholarship!

I have attached my application materials. Would you be available for a brief meeting to discuss my application further? Thank you for your time and support.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

[Your Student ID]

Sample Letter 13: Highlighting Specific Accomplishments

Dear Professor [Professor’s Last Name],

I am writing to request a letter of recommendation in support of my application to [Graduate Program/Job]. I would be thankful if you would consider. The deadline is [Date].

While it has been some time since I took your class, I remember benefiting greatly from your lectures on [Specific Topic]. I had such a great time learning from you during your course!

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

[Your Email Address]