How to Ask for Letters of Recommendation

Simmons School of Social Work seeks applicants who are committed to social work values and putting theory into action to drive real change for those who need it most. Letters of recommendation are an essential element of the application process because they help validate your potential for learning and commitment to the field.

Why Do Letters of Recommendation Matter?

Strong recommendation letters provide admissions committees with information, insight, and an outside perspective on your strengths and abilities that can’t be found in your transcripts, on your resume, or through standardized test scores.

What Are the Requirements?

In the same way that every school is different, so are the requirements and processes for submitting letters of recommendation. At SocialWork@Simmons, we require all applicants to submit three letters of recommendation as part of the application. We request that each of the recommenders submit their letter of recommendation electronically using Simmons’s online recommendation form. Recommenders will receive a link to this form by email after you enter their information in the online application.

Whom Do I Ask?

Selecting the right recommenders can make all the difference in your application. Choose people you know professionally or academically who can speak to your potential and readiness for graduate school and can attest to:

  • Your professional experience and performance
  • Your intellectual, conceptual, and analytic abilities
  • Your passion for, commitment to, and excellence in social work
  • Your ability to demonstrate social work values

Keep in mind that no one person will satisfy all of these criteria. The most valuable letters come from individuals you have worked or volunteered with in some capacity. A current professor, a direct supervisor, and/or an executive leader in your company with whom you’ve developed a strong professional relationship with are all great people to contact. At SocialWork@Simmons, we also request the following:

  • If you have recent or current experience as a social worker or in the field of human services, you mustinclude at least one letter from a supervisor at your place of employment.
  • If you have recent or current volunteer experience relevant to social work, you must submit at least one letter from someone who supervised you during this time.
  • If you are a current student or recent graduate, you must submit at least one letter from a classroom instructor or an academic advisor.

We do not accept letters from friends, family members, personal counselors, therapists, co-workers, or members of your clergy.

How Do I Ask?

For some, asking others to write a letter of recommendation can be an intimidating step. Be sure to set time aside to speak with your ideal recommenders in person. If possible, schedule an appointment or a brief meeting, explaining that you’d like to discuss your plans for graduate school.

  • Plan ahead. Ask your recommenders well ahead of your application deadline — ideally several weeks or even months in advance. This will help to ensure they have ample time to craft a meaningful, well-considered letter.
  • Courtesy counts. Rushed recommendation letters tend to be lower quality and less personalized. It is also not professional to assume that your recommenders will have time to write a well-intended letter if your deadline is just a few days away.

What Do I Need to Provide?

Give your recommenders everything they need. Be sure to set expectations and provide them with as much information as you can, including:

  • Facts about the program(s) you are applying for. Make sure that your recommenders know exactly which schools you are applying to and why you’ve selected each school.
  • Facts about you. Provide your recommenders a copy of your resume as well as a list of specific accomplishments. This can help jog your recommenders’ memory and make it easy for them to include specific examples.
  • Deadlines. Be sure to provide the deadline they need to submit their letter by. You may want to suggest a date that is several weeks earlier than your absolute deadline; just be certain that your request is completed on time.
  • Logistics. Let your recommenders know how they will receive the recommendation form and who they can contact with questions. This way they won’t be taken by surprise or caught off guard when they receive a third party email from an application system asking them to write a letter on your behalf.

What Else Should I Consider?

After your recommenders have agreed to write your letter of recommendation and you’ve provided the appropriate materials, you still have two more simple — but meaningful — steps. The following tips can help ensure you make your deadlines and that your recommenders feel appreciated.

  • Be sure to follow up a week or two before your deadline to make sure they have everything they need and are able to follow through.
  • Say thank you. Regardless of the outcome of your application, be sure to send a thank-you note to each of your recommenders once they’ve submitted their letters.

Thoughtful, well-written letters of recommendation are critical to providing a well-rounded perspective of your academic achievements, as well as your professional experience. Take time to seek out the right recommenders and provide them with the tools and information they need to write an accurate and meaningful recommendation. If you should have any additional questions or concerns about letters of recommendation, always feel free to reach out to your Admissions Counselor, who is happy to assist you as you gather these important application credentials.