When you’re preparing your graduate school application, your GPA is not the only piece of  information that admissions committees care about. Letters of recommendation give reviewers a more personal, well-rounded picture of who you are t as a student and a future professional. They highlight your strengths, character, and readiness for advanced study.

For now, recommendation letters are a requirement for the application and it may be seen as a chance for you to stand out. But one of the biggest questions students face is: who should I ask?

Why Recommendation Letters Matter

Admissions committees rely on recommendation letters to:

  • Provide evidence of your academic and clinical readiness.
  • Confirm your interpersonal qualities and professionalism.  
  • Show how you perform in real-world settings, beyond test scores or transcripts.

In other words, these letters validate your potential in ways your own application may not.

The Best People to Ask

The strongest recommendation letters come from people who know you well and can speak credibly about your abilities. Generally, you should look for:

1. Faculty Advisors  

Professors that you have taken more than two courses with can describe your academic skills, work ethic, and intellectual curiosity. They can explain how you handle challenging material and contribute to class discussions.

2. Clinical or Professional Supervisors

If you’ve worked in a healthcare or professional setting, supervisors can highlight your teamwork, leadership, and ability to apply knowledge in practice with problem-solving skills.

3. Research Mentors

If you’ve contributed to research, a mentor can describe your critical thinking, problem-solving, and persistence — qualities highly valued in graduate study.

If You’ve Been Out of School for a While

Many graduate school applicants are returning professionals who have been out of college for several years. If that’s you, don’t worry; you still have strong options. In fact, your professional experience can often work in your favor.

  • Supervisors or managers can speak to your leadership, adaptability, and ability to succeed in demanding environments.
  • Continuing education instructors (for certificates, workshops, or licensure renewals) can demonstrate your commitment to lifelong learning and academic readiness.

If possible, balance one recommendation from your professional life with one from an academic setting (even if it’s from a past degree). This combination shows that you’re both academically capable and professionally prepared for the next step. Be mindful in the application process, as some schools/programs may have specific requirements for their application, ie. One academic reference and one professional reference.  

Who Not to Ask

It may feel easier to ask family friends, prominent people you know socially, or anyone with a “big title.” But unless they have worked closely with you in an academic, clinical, or professional context, their letter won’t carry much weight. Admissions committees want substance, not prestige.

How to Set Your Recommenders Up for Success

Choosing the right people is only step one. You should also:

  • Build relationships. As you likely are in the process of preparing for your graduate application process, start building connections and relationships with faculty and mentors. Share your goals so they will have the confidence to write the letter of support when asked.
  • Give plenty of time. Ask at least 4–6 weeks before the deadline and follow-up if the deadline is upcoming and the recommendation has not been submit. Offer support with technical issues, if appropriate.
  • Provide context. Share your resume, personal statement draft, and professional goals.  
  • Be specific. Politely remind them of interests, projects, classes, or experiences you’d like them to highlight that they may not recall from past interactions
  • Express gratitude. A thank-you note goes a long way. You’ll want to send them a note when you are accepted, as well!  

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Asking someone who barely knows you.
  • Waiting until the last minute.
  • Providing little or no guidance to your recommenders.
  • Requesting letters from people outside your field who can’t connect your experiences to graduate study.
  • Sending the electronic request via the application system portal and that being the first time the reference heard from you. (Yikes!)

Letters of recommendation are windows into your potential as a graduate student and future professional. By choosing the right references — whether they are faculty mentors, supervisors, or leaders from your career and by giving them the context they need, you present admissions committees with a strong, authentic case for your readiness.