Asking for Letters of Recommendation

Universities usually ask for three letters of recommendation. Try to look for professors with whom you have worked or taken classes, who know your academic potential and can speak well of you. We suggest that you secure these people as soon as possible since professors have a heavy workload every year, and asking them 1.5-2 months before the submission deadline makes it easier for them to say yes.

Here is a sample email:

Dear Professor X,

I hope this finds you well. [Sentence here reminding the professor of the relationship that they had or what makes this professor a good one to write a letter.]

As I told you a while ago, this year I’m planning to apply to doctoral programs in X, and one of the requirements is a letter of recommendation. Would you be willing to write me a strong letter of recommendation for these applications? 

Thank you in advance for your time, and looking forward to your response. 

Best regards,

X

If the professor agrees to writing letters, send them a follow-up email detailing the due dates and how they can submit each letter.