Who should I ask to write letters of reference?
In most cases, a letter from your advisor is in your best interest. Additional letters can come from other faculty and/or practicum supervisors. As with graduate school applications, letters from personal friends and/or family members carry very little weight. Ask only those individuals whom you believe know you well and will be able to write you an in-depth letter. Although most people do not write “nasty” or “negative” letters, their regard for you is often communicated via the length of the letter. For example, a short letter with the primary message that “I worked with him/her on this project (or I had him/her in ____ class)” and “he/she did a great job” is not to your benefit. Alternatively, letters that provide in-depth information about the letter writer’s relationship with you across multiple projects and activities generally reflect a heart-felt recommendation. Clearly, it is to your benefit to seek letters from people you have known and worked with for at least a year; and wh
