Dr. Banda Khalifa

𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝘁𝗼 𝗦𝗲𝗰𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗮 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗴 𝗟𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗼𝗳 𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 (𝗪𝗶𝘁𝗵𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗙𝗲𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗔𝘄𝗸𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱 𝗔𝘀𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴)



For graduate school, scholarships, or jobs; your letters of recommendation can make or break your application.


But here’s the secret: strong letters aren’t written overnight. They’re built over time.


Here’s exactly how to secure one without the awkwardness 👇

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① 𝗔𝘀𝗸 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗥𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗣𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗼𝗻

➜ A lukewarm letter from a famous professor is weaker than a detailed letter from someone who knows you well.

↳ Choose people who can speak about your work ethic, impact, and growth.



② 𝗕𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱 𝗥𝗲𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽𝘀 𝗘𝗮𝗿𝗹𝘆

➜ Don’t wait until deadline week.

↳ Attend office hours, assist with projects, ask questions, let them see your curiosity and commitment.



③ 𝗠𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗜𝘁 𝗘𝗮𝘀𝘆 𝗙𝗼𝗿 𝗧𝗵𝗲𝗺

➜ Provide your résumé, transcript, draft SOP, and a summary of the opportunity.

↳ The clearer the context, the stronger and more specific the letter.



④ 𝗕𝗲 𝗖𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗿 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗡𝗲𝗲𝗱

➜ Instead of: “Can you write me a recommendation?”

Say: “Would you feel comfortable writing me a strong recommendation highlighting my research and leadership?”

↳ This gives them space to decline if they can’t write positively.



⑤ 𝗚𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗧𝗶𝗺𝗲 + 𝗥𝗲𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗱 𝗚𝗿𝗮𝗰𝗲𝗳𝘂𝗹𝗹𝘆

➜ Ask at least 4–6 weeks before the deadline.

↳ Send polite reminders as the deadline approaches.



⑥ 𝗔𝗹𝘄𝗮𝘆𝘀 𝗦𝗮𝘆 𝗧𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗸 𝗬𝗼𝘂

➜ A handwritten note or a thoughtful email goes a long way.

↳ And let them know the outcome; mentors love to celebrate your wins too.

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📌 The best recommendation letters are stories of your character, capability, and potential.

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💬 What’s the hardest part for you when asking for recommendation letters?


♻️ Repost to help someone secure stronger recommendations without the awkwardness.

#GraduateSchool #Mentorship

1 month ago | [YT] | 15