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Requesting Letters Of References

Letters of reference (sometimes referred to as a letters of recommendation) are commonly used when applying for graduate or professional schools. Sometimes other opportunities like internships or scholarships may seek a letter of reference. These letters are written by people who are able to speak highly of your relevant professional, interpersonal, and academic abilities.

Steps For Requesting A Letter Of Reference

Click on the steps listed in the accordion below for more guidance and tips on how to request a letter of reference.

 

 

Example of a letter of reference Request

Hello Dr. John Doe,

I hope your semester is going well. I enjoyed my time as a research assistant in your lab last semester. I am reaching out you to ask if you would be willing to provide a letter or reference in support of my graduate school applications. I am applying to the Master of Biotechnology program with a focus on digital health technologies at the University of Toronto.

I am hoping that you can specifically speak to my time in your lab and courses. I appreciated the interdisciplinary approach you take in your research and teaching and I believe this would be an appealing factor to stress in my application as the Master’s program combines science and business courses to focus on real-world solutions. I’ve attached my unofficial transcript and CV to provide you with additional details about my credentials as well as a separate page that highlights my most important accomplishments relating to this application. If you require any additional information, please let me know. I am also available to meet at your convenience to further discuss any aspects of the application process or my qualifications and interests.

If you can provide a reference, I will input your contact information into the application system, and you will receive an email with instructions on how to submit the reference. The deadline for submitting the letters is November 1st.

Please let me know if you are able to support my applications.

Thank you,

Taylor Park

Reminders:

  • When deciding who to ask, consider professionals who you have a strong relationship with and have meaningfully interacted with.
  • When requesting a letter of reference, remember that this is a favour you are asking and not a demand.
  • Aim to ask your contacts no later than 2 months in advance.
  • Try to make the process as easy as possible for the contact by providing them with all the details they need to write an impactful letter tailored to the opportunity.

 

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Science Careers & Experience Guidebook Copyright © by McMaster University, Science Careers & Experience Centre is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License, except where otherwise noted.

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