Recommendation Letters

The graduate application allows applicants to select up to two graduate campuses and/or majors per application. If you are applying to more than one graduate program, we highly suggest you contact your recommendation providers and encourage them to write all-inclusive letters of recommendation that support your suitability for all graduate programs listed on your application.

Unless otherwise noted within the Graduate Program Requirements Web page, three (3) letters of recommendation are required for degree-seeking applicants. If you choose to apply to more than one campus and/or graduate major, the graduate program that requires the highest number of letters of recommendation will establish the minimum number of letters of recommendation to be submitted.

Your references should be persons who can assess your academic potential such as faculty members, academic staff, supervisors, industry leaders, employers, or advisors. The Office of the Vice Provost for Graduate Students and Postdoctoral Scholars (OGSPS) strongly encourages you to provide reference email addresses that are affiliated with an academic institution, professional organization, or employer.

When you create an online application; once you click “Send to Recommender,” your recommendation providers will receive an email with instructions on submitting their recommendation online. Once the online recommendation is submitted the graduate program to which you applied will have access to view your online recommendation.

If you waive your right to examine your recommendation, you forfeit your right to request a copy of your recommendation letter. If you do not waive your right, you have the ability to request a copy of your recommendation letter. Some recommendation providers may be reluctant to submit a recommendation on your behalf if you do not waive your right to view the letter.

For recommenders wishing to complete a paper recommendation, please send the following recommendation form (PDF). Not all programs use the default form. Please consult the Graduate Program Requirements Web page for recommendation letter requirements. If your program indicates that it uses a separate recommendation form, a link to that form will be provided by the graduate program.

For additional information, please visit our Letter of Recommendation FAQ.