Letter of Recommendation

Guidelines for Political Science and International Relations Students

Students frequently ask instructors for letters of recommendation for graduate school or for employment. Professors are willing and able to write these letters so don’t be afraid to ask. However, it is important that you understand a few things about the process.

First, be sure to ask the best person. Don’t just ask the professor who seems most approachable. Ask a professor who knows you well and has a positive impression of you as a student and as a person. Grades matter for graduate or law school, as the schools are looking for people who can speak to your academic potential.

Second, don’t ask for a letter “on the fly.” Visit the professor during his/her office hours (or make an appointment). Discuss the reasons for the letter and ask to use him/her as a reference. Another option is to email the professor with a polite request, the reasons why you are asking for the letter, and the information listed below.

Third, don’t ask for a letter to be written if you aren’t sure you will apply. These letters take time and faculty are asked to write many, many letters.

Fourth, provide all the information necessary to write a detailed letter. It is in your interest to provide the professor with all the information he or she needs to write a detailed and specific letter. This includes:

  • a description of the job or graduate program and an explanation of your interest
  • a signed FERPA release form (click for form)
  • a signed letter of recommendation form from LSDAS if you are applying to law school
  • a resume that includes your GPA and appropriate extracurricular activities
  • a reminder about specific courses you took from or papers you wrote for the instructor
  • any other information that would be helpful and relevant to include
  • clearly note the deadline and provide information about delivery
    • How should it be sent?
    • if you are using regular mail, include a stamped, addressed envelope

Fifth, it is not appropriate to offer or give a gift to a faculty member in exchange for or as a thank you for writing a letter of recommendation.

Finally, keep the letter-writer informed. Once the instructor has spent time writing a letter, s/he will be interested to know whether or not you were given the opportunity.

News

Reuben Wins Scholarship to Attend the World Affairs Council National Conference

Reuben Wins Scholarship to Attend the World Affairs Council National Conference

Tristan Reuben wins scholarship to attend the National Conference of the World Affairs Conference in Washington, DC.

Oct 13, 2022

GVSU Students Attend the National Security Seminar in Washington, DC

GVSU Students Attend the National Security Seminar in Washington, DC

11 GVSU students spent one week in Washington studying US national security issues.

Sep 12, 2022

New Faculty Member: Professor Camarillo

New Faculty Member: Professor Camarillo

Professor C. Tyler Godines Camarillo joins the Political Science Department as a new assistant professor this semester. Professor Camarillo attended the University of Texas at San Antonio for his undergraduate degree in Political Science.

Aug 26, 2022

Craig Wins GV in DC Scholarship

Craig Wins GV in DC Scholarship

The Political Science Department is pleased to announce that Samantha Craig is our GV in DC Scholarship winner for 2022.

Jun 21, 2022

Recent Grad Interns with Czech Consulate

Recent Grad Interns with Czech Consulate

Stepan Loffelmann is busy with his summer internship at the Consulate of the Czech Republic in Chicago.

May 24, 2022

View More News

Events

Us-Afghanistan/Taliban Relations And The Human Rights of Afghan Women: Presented By Ahmad Farid Hassanzadah

March 23, 2023 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

Farid Hassanzadah has worked extensively with the United Nations, the Afghanistan Independent Human Rights Commission (AIHRC) and international non-government organizations to promote human rights...

Pho2Night

March 31, 2023 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM

The Vietnamese Cultural Association presents our annual Phß Night! This year our event will be on Friday, March 31st, 2023, from 6PM-10PM at the Fredrick Meijer Honors Colledge in the Neimeyer...

K-Pop Unleashed 2023

April 2, 2023 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM

K-Pop Unleashed is K-Pop Group Evolution's annual dance and cultural showcase. This event features performances and discussions from both Grand Valley clubs and other organizations in the Grand...

Virtual Info Session: Graduate Fellowships for Foreign Service: Payne, Rangel, Pickering

April 5, 2023 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

The USAID Donald M. Payne International Development Graduate Fellowship Program seeks to attract outstanding individuals who are interested in pursuing careers in the Foreign Service of the U.S. Agency...

Native Truths: Re-Centering Who Tells the Story (SSD Keynote Panel) INT 100/201 APPROVED!

April 11, 2023 4:00 PM - 5:30 PM

This year, the Office of Undergraduate Research and Scholarship is collaborating with the Field Museum to host a panel of museum staff, scholars, and community members. Moderated by Levi Rickert,...

View More Events



Page last modified July 22, 2016