Most programs do not provide letter of recommendation forms or
format. Check your program of interest's application requirements for exceptions.
Letters should comment on the applicant's past academic record and potential for future success. However, the counseling, counseling psychology and nursing (master's and certificate only) programs have a special form for recommendation submission.
It is preferable for letters of recommendation to be submitted via the online application system. (To apply online, click here.) If you are applying online, the authors of your letters of recommendation can receive an email instructing them how to use the online recommendation system, if you designate them as online recommenders. All letters submitted online will be delivered to our office and placed in your application file.
If you are unable to access the online letter of recommendation form, you are able to download the PDF form here.
Letters of recommendation that are submitted offline (i.e., by regular mail, fax, hand-delivered) should be in a signed and sealed envelope from the author. It is preferred that letters received offline are included in the self-completed application packet.
Ideally letters will be written by professors who have had you in class. In cases where that becomes impractical, letters from employers and character references can suffice. Every effort should be made to have a minimum of one letter from a former professor.
All applicants applying for financial aid through the Graduate School must submit three letters of recommendation.
