Securing a strong letter of recommendation from a professor is crucial for academic pursuits, job applications, and scholarship opportunities. A well-crafted request increases your chances of receiving a compelling letter that highlights your strengths and potential. This article provides sample request letters tailored for various situations, giving you a head start in obtaining this vital endorsement.
Before diving into the templates, remember these key points. Firstly, always give your professor ample time (at least 2-3 weeks) to write the letter. Secondly, provide them with all the necessary information, including your resume/CV, a transcript (if applicable), a personal statement or description of the opportunity you’re applying for, and any specific instructions or requirements from the institution or organization you’re applying to. Finally, be polite, respectful, and express your gratitude for their time and consideration.
Here are 22 sample request letters for a letter of recommendation from a professor. Tailor them to fit your specific situation and relationship with the professor. Remember to replace the bracketed information with your own details.
Sample Recommendation Request Letters
Sample 1: General Request for Graduate School
Dear Professor [Professor’s Last Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to request a letter of recommendation from you in support of my application to graduate school in [Field of Study] at [University Name]. I took your [Course Name] course in [Semester/Year] and found it to be incredibly valuable. I believe your insights into my abilities in [Specific Skill or Area] would be highly beneficial to my application. I have attached my resume, transcript, and a statement of purpose for your review. The deadline for submission is [Date]. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Dear Professor [Professor’s Last Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to request a letter of recommendation from you in support of my application to graduate school in [Field of Study] at [University Name]. I took your [Course Name] course in [Semester/Year] and found it to be incredibly valuable. I believe your insights into my abilities in [Specific Skill or Area] would be highly beneficial to my application. I have attached my resume, transcript, and a statement of purpose for your review. The deadline for submission is [Date]. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 2: Specific Program with Specific Requirements
Dear Professor [Professor’s Last Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to request a letter of recommendation for the [Program Name] program at [University Name]. This program emphasizes [Specific Program Attribute]. I believe your insights from [Course Name] on my [Specific Skill related to Program Attribute] would be valuable. The application deadline is [Date], and the attached document contains specific instructions for recommenders. I’ve also attached my resume and a draft of my personal statement. Thank you.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Dear Professor [Professor’s Last Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to request a letter of recommendation for the [Program Name] program at [University Name]. This program emphasizes [Specific Program Attribute]. I believe your insights from [Course Name] on my [Specific Skill related to Program Attribute] would be valuable. The application deadline is [Date], and the attached document contains specific instructions for recommenders. I’ve also attached my resume and a draft of my personal statement. Thank you.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 3: Request After a Research Project
Dear Professor [Professor’s Last Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I am applying for [Opportunity, e.g., research internship] at [Organization Name] and would be grateful if you would write a letter of recommendation for me. I truly enjoyed working on the [Research Project Name] project with you, and I believe that experience solidified my interest in [Field]. I have attached my resume, a description of the internship, and my contributions to the project for your reference. The deadline for submission is [Date]. Thank you for your time.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Dear Professor [Professor’s Last Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I am applying for [Opportunity, e.g., research internship] at [Organization Name] and would be grateful if you would write a letter of recommendation for me. I truly enjoyed working on the [Research Project Name] project with you, and I believe that experience solidified my interest in [Field]. I have attached my resume, a description of the internship, and my contributions to the project for your reference. The deadline for submission is [Date]. Thank you for your time.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 4: Requesting for a Job Application
Dear Professor [Professor’s Last Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I am applying for the position of [Job Title] at [Company Name] and would greatly appreciate a letter of recommendation from you. My experience in your [Course Name] class, particularly in [Specific Skill], directly aligns with the requirements of this role. I’ve attached the job description and my resume for your review. The deadline to submit is [Date]. Thank you for considering my request.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Dear Professor [Professor’s Last Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I am applying for the position of [Job Title] at [Company Name] and would greatly appreciate a letter of recommendation from you. My experience in your [Course Name] class, particularly in [Specific Skill], directly aligns with the requirements of this role. I’ve attached the job description and my resume for your review. The deadline to submit is [Date]. Thank you for considering my request.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 5: Requesting after several years.
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 in [Year]. I am applying for [Opportunity] and was hoping you would consider writing a letter of recommendation for me. While it has been some time, I remember your class fondly and the impact it had on my understanding of [Relevant Topic]. I’ve attached my updated resume and information about the [Opportunity] for your consideration. The deadline is [Date]. Thank you.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
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 in [Year]. I am applying for [Opportunity] and was hoping you would consider writing a letter of recommendation for me. While it has been some time, I remember your class fondly and the impact it had on my understanding of [Relevant Topic]. I’ve attached my updated resume and information about the [Opportunity] for your consideration. The deadline is [Date]. Thank you.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 6: Emphasizing a specific project or assignment.
Dear Professor [Professor’s Last Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to you to request a letter of recommendation in support of my application for [Scholarship/Program Name]. I remember you especially liked my work during [Specific Assignment/Project]. I was hoping your could highlight that project if you agree to write a recommendation. I have attached my resume, and information about the program for you to review. The deadline to submit the letter is [Date]. Thanks!
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Dear Professor [Professor’s Last Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to you to request a letter of recommendation in support of my application for [Scholarship/Program Name]. I remember you especially liked my work during [Specific Assignment/Project]. I was hoping your could highlight that project if you agree to write a recommendation. I have attached my resume, and information about the program for you to review. The deadline to submit the letter is [Date]. Thanks!
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 7: Request for a scholarship application.
Dear Professor [Professor’s Last Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to request a letter of recommendation from you in support of my application to [Scholarship Name] scholarship. As you know, I am a student in your class [class name]. The deadline is [Date] and I attached the requirements in this email. I have also attached my CV for your to review. Thanks for the considerations.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Dear Professor [Professor’s Last Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to request a letter of recommendation from you in support of my application to [Scholarship Name] scholarship. As you know, I am a student in your class [class name]. The deadline is [Date] and I attached the requirements in this email. I have also attached my CV for your to review. Thanks for the considerations.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 8: Request with a reminder of your performance.
Dear Professor [Professor’s Last Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I am reaching out to ask if you would be willing to write a letter of recommendation for me. If you remember, I got an A grade in your [Course Name] class in [Semester/Year]. I have attached all the information you need. Let me know if you have any question. Thanks for the considerations.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Dear Professor [Professor’s Last Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I am reaching out to ask if you would be willing to write a letter of recommendation for me. If you remember, I got an A grade in your [Course Name] class in [Semester/Year]. I have attached all the information you need. Let me know if you have any question. Thanks for the considerations.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 9: Request after engaging actively in class.
Dear Professor [Professor’s Last Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to request a letter of recommendation from you for [Opportunity]. I thoroughly enjoyed [Course Name] and actively participated in the discussion and project. I have attached the requirements in this email. Please let me know if you have time. Thanks.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Dear Professor [Professor’s Last Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to request a letter of recommendation from you for [Opportunity]. I thoroughly enjoyed [Course Name] and actively participated in the discussion and project. I have attached the requirements in this email. Please let me know if you have time. Thanks.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 10: Request a letter of Recommendation
Dear Professor [Professor’s Last Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I am currently applying to [University name] for their graduate [program] program. I would like to ask for a letter of recommendation in support of my application. I have attached my resume and personal statement. Thanks!
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Dear Professor [Professor’s Last Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I am currently applying to [University name] for their graduate [program] program. I would like to ask for a letter of recommendation in support of my application. I have attached my resume and personal statement. Thanks!
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 11: Request a letter of Recommendation
Dear Professor [Professor’s Last Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to ask if you would write me a letter of recommendation for a job at [Company Name]. My experience in your class helped prepared me for this job. The details are in the attachment. Thanks for your time!
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Dear Professor [Professor’s Last Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to ask if you would write me a letter of recommendation for a job at [Company Name]. My experience in your class helped prepared me for this job. The details are in the attachment. Thanks for your time!
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 12: Request a letter of Recommendation
Dear Professor [Professor’s Last Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I would be grateful if you could write a letter of recommendation for me for the [opportunity]. The deadline to submit the letter is [Date]. Your letter will greatly help my application. The details and my resume are in the attachment. Thanks!
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Dear Professor [Professor’s Last Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I would be grateful if you could write a letter of recommendation for me for the [opportunity]. The deadline to submit the letter is [Date]. Your letter will greatly help my application. The details and my resume are in the attachment. Thanks!
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 13: Request a letter of Recommendation
Dear Professor [Professor’s Last Name],
I hope this email finds you well. Would you be willing to write me a letter of recommendation for my application to [Program Name]? I learned a lot from your class and I will be grateful for your help. Please take a look at the details on attachment. Thanks!
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Dear Professor [Professor’s Last Name],
I hope this email finds you well. Would you be willing to write me a letter of recommendation for my application to [Program Name]? I learned a lot from your class and I will be grateful for your help. Please take a look at the details on attachment. Thanks!
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 14: Request a letter of Recommendation
Dear Professor [Professor’s Last Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I would like to apply for [program name]. Can you please write me a letter of recommendation? Your help is deeply appreciated. The application is due on [Date] and the details are attached. Thanks!
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Dear Professor [Professor’s Last Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I would like to apply for [program name]. Can you please write me a letter of recommendation? Your help is deeply appreciated. The application is due on [Date] and the details are attached. Thanks!
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 15: Request a letter of Recommendation
Dear Professor [Professor’s Last Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I hope you are doing well. I am writing to request a letter of recommendation from you for [program name]. The documents are attached for your consideration. Thanks!
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Dear Professor [Professor’s Last Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I hope you are doing well. I am writing to request a letter of recommendation from you for [program name]. The documents are attached for your consideration. Thanks!
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 16: Request a letter of Recommendation
Dear Professor [Professor’s Last Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I am applying to [program name] and I was hoping you would write a letter for me. I am including all the details in this email. Thanks!
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Dear Professor [Professor’s Last Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I am applying to [program name] and I was hoping you would write a letter for me. I am including all the details in this email. Thanks!
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 17: Request a letter of Recommendation
Dear Professor [Professor’s Last Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I need a recommendation for [Job/Scholarship]. Would you consider helping me? I am attaching all the documentation. Thanks!
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Dear Professor [Professor’s Last Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I need a recommendation for [Job/Scholarship]. Would you consider helping me? I am attaching all the documentation. Thanks!
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 18: Request a letter of Recommendation
Dear Professor [Professor’s Last Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I need a letter of recommendation. The deadline is approaching fast. Can you help me with this? Thanks!
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Dear Professor [Professor’s Last Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I need a letter of recommendation. The deadline is approaching fast. Can you help me with this? Thanks!
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 19: Request a letter of Recommendation
Dear Professor [Professor’s Last Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I was hoping to get a letter of recommendation from you. Please let me know if you can help. I have attached the details. Thanks!
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Dear Professor [Professor’s Last Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I was hoping to get a letter of recommendation from you. Please let me know if you can help. I have attached the details. Thanks!
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 20: Request a letter of Recommendation
Dear Professor [Professor’s Last Name],
I hope this email finds you well. Please let me know if you can help me write a letter of recommendation for [program name]. I have attached the details. Thanks!
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Dear Professor [Professor’s Last Name],
I hope this email finds you well. Please let me know if you can help me write a letter of recommendation for [program name]. I have attached the details. Thanks!
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 21: Request a letter of Recommendation
Dear Professor [Professor’s Last Name],
I hope this email finds you well. Can you please write me a letter of recommendation for [program name]. I have attached the details. Thanks for the consideration!
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Dear Professor [Professor’s Last Name],
I hope this email finds you well. Can you please write me a letter of recommendation for [program name]. I have attached the details. Thanks for the consideration!
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 22: Request a letter of Recommendation
Dear Professor [Professor’s Last Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I am requesting a letter of recommendation from you for my application to [Program]. The deadline to submit the letter is [Date]. I have attached all the details you need. Thanks!
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Dear Professor [Professor’s Last Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I am requesting a letter of recommendation from you for my application to [Program]. The deadline to submit the letter is [Date]. I have attached all the details you need. Thanks!
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
In conclusion, a thoughtful and well-prepared request significantly increases your chances of receiving a strong letter of recommendation. Remember to personalize these templates, provide ample information, and express your gratitude. By following these guidelines, you can effectively leverage your academic relationships to achieve your future goals.
