A supervisor reference is a letter written by a current or former supervisor of the applicant, which provides insights into the applicant's work ethic, academic potential, and personal qualities. It serves as a validation of the applicant's qualifications and can greatly impact the admission decision of the graduate school.
It is important to choose a supervisor who is familiar with your work, whether it be from a previous job, internship, or research project. Ideally, the supervisor should also have a positive opinion of your skills and be able to provide specific examples of your strengths and accomplishments. It is also important to choose a supervisor who can write well and meet the submission deadline.
A supervisor reference should include an introduction of the supervisor, their relationship to the applicant, and the length of time they have known the applicant. It should also highlight the applicant's strengths, skills, and accomplishments, and provide specific examples to support these claims. The reference should also address the applicant's potential for success in graduate school and any other relevant information that may be helpful for the admission committee.
It is important to approach your supervisor with professionalism and respect. Schedule a meeting to discuss your graduate school plans and ask if they would be willing to write a reference for you. Be prepared to provide them with a copy of your resume, transcripts, and any other relevant materials. It is also important to give your supervisor enough time to write the reference, so plan accordingly and follow up with them if necessary.
It is generally not appropriate to ask for a copy of your supervisor reference as it may be seen as intrusive or manipulative. However, it is acceptable to ask your supervisor if they would like you to provide any additional information or materials that may help them write a stronger reference. If you are concerned about the content of your reference, it is best to address this with your supervisor directly before they submit it.