Letter of reference/recommendation for a PhD

[The Moon Gauge]

Hi, I am planning to request some letters of recommendation for a PhD theoretical physics application. Could you please adivse on specific elements that will make the perfect letter with the best chance of getting offers. For instance is could be about my soft skills, my undergrad grades and other abilities... Thank you

 

[berkeman]

I don't think you get to dictate (or even suggest) what goes into your recommendation letters, unless there are guidelines from the university that you are applying to. The folks who write PhD recommendation letters would presumably know what they are doing, no?

 

[Orodruin]

You don’t get to write your own letters of recommendation. That is up to the people you ask to write them. In most cases you will not even see the letters of recommendation.

 

[The Moon Gauge]

Hi, I am aware that I do not have access to those letters. Most of the uni I have checked provide some guidelines with the kind of recommendation they prefer. The thing is that guidelines are not always very specific and it's a bit similar to cover letters where some get a "go" and others get a "no go". I want to know what are the things and kind of gem that they are looking for in a recommendation for PhD applications. Moreover, regarding the (very busy folk who is most probably not a fan of admin stuff...) who write the letter, not only it is always better and clearer to give some specific elements but also it might have been a long time that the folk hasn't written a letter of this kind.

 

[berkeman]

Most of the uni I have checked provide some guidelines with the kind of recommendation they prefer.

Then give a copy of that to each person you ask to write you a recommendation letter. I write letters of recommendation sometimes (usually for employment stuff, not PhD applications) -- I will sometimes ask clarifying questions of the person, but if they started making suggestions for things to include in the letter, I might just show them the door...

 

[Orodruin]

it might have been a long time that the folk hasn't written a letter of this kind.

If they are in academia, then they are most likely writing this type of letter quite regularly. I am usually asked by several people every year for multiple positions each. If they feel that they need additional information from you, they will ask for it.

I usually ask for a copy of the person’s study record and application to ensure some facts are correct.

 

[The Moon Gauge]

Hi, thank you for your reply. The thing is that I feel a bit worried that the letter will not be complete enough and I really want it to boost my PhD application. Also, I have had a past experience where a letter of recommendation written for my application was really minimal and without enough details. It was merely stating facts about which degree I had and courses I have taken. That is why I am wondering how to clarify things by mentionning relevant aspects that need to be explored without telling what to include in the letter. Correct me if I am wrong but the letter of reference carry a high weight in a PhD application.

 

[Orodruin]

It can yes. However, trying to influence the writers of your letters is not something I would advice. The entire point is to get an independent opinion from a third person. You should pick referees that can provide the details.

 

[The Moon Gauge]

Ok I see thank you:)

 

[hutchphd]

That is why I am wondering how to clarify things by mentioning relevant aspects that need to be explored

It is up to you to successfully interleave these into your application without sounding foolish and that is a fine art. Only if you know the referee very well can you broach the subject of boosting your "strengths", but I would routinely offer to supply any additional information that might make the letter process easier.

 

[Office_Shredder]

This doesn't seem like a totally unreasonable request. Especially if you are applying from a smaller school, or getting a recommendation from a more junior faculty member, the person writing the letter might not have *that* much experience. I was asked to write two letter s f recommendation for students in my calculus class while doing my phd, and let me tell you I had no idea what I was doing. I also asked a postdoc who taught a 500 level graph theory course for a letter of recommendation to a summer program and he was caught pretty off guard - I think it was his first time doing it.

Ideally if they don't know what to include they would ask a more senior faculty member, but if you happen to know what the contents should look like I don't know why saying something like "I'm applying to xyz, and I would really appreciate it if you could write a letter of recommendation talking about my ability to do abc" would offend anyone. They might think abc is the wrong thing to focus on.

 

[The Moon Gauge]

It is up to you to successfully interleave these into your application without sounding foolish and that is a fine art. Only if you know the referee very well can you broach the subject of boosting your "strengths", but I would routinely offer to supply any additional information that might make the letter process easier.

Thank you:) I might need to order some communication and PR books...
Would you say that something like "Would you please be able to elaborate for my PhD application a letter of recommendation that highlights my ability to undetake research at doctorate level.." would be ok?

 

[The Moon Gauge]

This doesn't seem like a totally unreasonable request. Especially if you are applying from a smaller school, or getting a recommendation from a more junior faculty member, the person writing the letter might not have *that* much experience. I was asked to write two letter s f recommendation for students in my calculus class while doing my phd, and let me tell you I had no idea what I was doing. I also asked a postdoc who taught a 500 level graph theory course for a letter of recommendation to a summer program and he was caught pretty off guard - I think it was his first time doing it.

Ideally if they don't know what to include they would ask a more senior faculty member, but if you happen to know what the contents should look like I don't know why saying something like "I'm applying to xyz, and I would really appreciate it if you could write a letter of recommendation talking about my ability to do abc" would offend anyone. They might think abc is the wrong thing to focus on.

I am not that crazy, good to know
Thank you :)