Decide to pursue graduate school? Check. Research schools and curate a list of possible graduate programs? Check. What is next? Apply!

Graduate school admissions are open and the requirement checklist is available. Most applications have similar core requirements; a general application, personal essay, writing sample, resume, transcripts, and recommenders. Depending on factors, such as program, school, and grade point average, the number of recommenders typically varies between one and three. Common questions during the graduate school application process are how to pick a recommender and about the process of recommendations. In a conversation with Stockton University’s Graduate Admissions team about applying to graduate school at Stockton, they shared some tips and advice.

Director of Graduate Admissions, Tara Williams, advised folks to “ask yourself who can most positively express your academic and professional experience, as personal recommendations are not accepted. Also, please let the recommenders know ahead of time to expect an email from Stockton asking for their recommendation so they can prepare their thought ahead of time.”

A recommender should be someone who can speak to a students professional experience, their character, work ethic, and academic interests. They need to be able to speak to the student’s academic success and preparation to demonstrate their capability for a higher level of education. Join clubs, become involved in class, partake in internships and volunteering opportunities, and converse with your professors, advisors, and supervisors to forge professional relationships. Recommenders should be professional connections, such as faculty, supervisors, mentors, and advisors. In some cases, a certain number of recommenders must be faculty members. Recommendations from family and personal friends are not accepted.

After identifying people who can offer a written testimony about your professional and academic qualifications that will enhance your application, there are some important etiquette rules to follow when asking for a recommendation. The first rule is to reach out to the recommender well before the application deadline. A general rule of thumb is at least a month in advance. This limits the inconvenience to their schedule and offers them the time to write.

Recommendation letters are almost always completed digitally. When applying to graduate school at Stockton University, students will encounter a section in the general application where they will list the recommenders, their contact information, and supply some basic information, such as title and affiliation. After entering and submitting this information, an email will be sent to the recommender notifying them of the student’s request. The second rule of etiquette is to always ask the recommender before entering their information.

Once the recommender has agreed to provide a letter, follow-up in a timely manner to thank them and provide necessary information. This should include a link to the program(s) and school(s) website the recommender is writing to, the due date, the student’s resume and portfolio, and any other relevant information the recommender requests.

The fourth rule of etiquette is for the student to waive their right to see the letter. While entering the recommenders information, student’s will be asked whether they “do waive their right” to see the letter or “do NOT waive their right” to see the letter. Ultimately, it is an individual choice. However, it is typically advised to waive this right. This decision demonstrates trust in the recommender which can be more favorably viewed by the recommender and college admissions officers.

A fifth rule of etiquette is to kindly follow up with a reminder email as the deadline approaches if the recommender has not submitted their recommendation letter. Life happens. They may have forgotten, are in the process of finishing it, or may no longer be able to provide it. In the latter situation, it is always helpful to have a few other people in mind who can provide a recommendation. 

The final etiquette rule is for the student to inform their recommender of their decision. After taking the time to write a letter of recommendation, it is always nice to learn the outcome. 

Have questions about graduate school at Stockton and recommendation letters? Contact the Stockton University Graduate Admissions team: gradschool@stockton.edu