What to Reply When Requesting a Recommendation Letter
Asking a professor or teacher for a recommendation letter can feel intimidating, but a clear, well-organized request makes it easy for them to say yes.
Use these when
- You need a recommendation letter for a job, program, or scholarship
- You want to give the recommender enough context and time
- You're following up on a request that's still pending
- You want to thank someone after they've written the letter
Skip these if
- Don't ask with less than two weeks' notice if avoidable
- Don't leave out the deadline or purpose of the letter
- Don't assume they remember details about you, provide context
- Don't forget to follow up politely if you haven't heard back
14 replies to choose from
Dear Professor [Name], I hope you're doing well. I'm applying to [program/job] and would be grateful if you could write a recommendation letter for me by [deadline].
Initial formal request
Hi Professor [Name], I really enjoyed your [course] and was hoping you might be willing to write a recommendation letter for my application to [program].
Polite with context
Dear Professor [Name], given my performance in your [course], I'd like to ask if you'd be willing to write a strong recommendation letter for [program] by [deadline].
Assertive but respectful
Hi Professor [Name], would you be able to write me a recommendation letter for [program]? Deadline is [date].
Brief and clear
Dear Professor [Name], I'm applying for [program] with a deadline of [date] and would be honored if you'd consider writing a recommendation letter on my behalf.
Formal, respectful tone
Hi Professor [Name], I hope this finds you well. I'm reaching out to ask if you'd be comfortable writing a recommendation letter for my [program] application.
Leaves room for them to decline gracefully
Hi Professor [Name], hope you're doing well! I'm applying to [program] and would love it if you could write me a recommendation letter.
Slightly informal, still respectful
Dear Professor [Name], I've attached my resume and a summary of the program for your reference in case it's helpful for writing the letter.
Follow-up with supporting materials
Hi Professor [Name], just checking in on the recommendation letter for [program] — the deadline is [date], let me know if you need anything from me.
Polite follow-up
Dear Professor [Name], I know this is a big ask given your schedule, but I'd be very grateful if you could write a recommendation letter for [program].
Acknowledges their time
Hi Professor [Name], gentle reminder about the recommendation letter for [program], due [date]. Thank you again!
Brief reminder
Dear Professor [Name], thank you so much for agreeing to write the letter — I've attached the submission link and deadline for your convenience.
After they agree
Dear Professor [Name], thank you again for writing my recommendation letter, it truly means a lot and I'm grateful for your support.
Thank-you message
Dear Professor [Name], I'm confident a letter from you would strengthen my application, and I'd be glad to provide any details that would help.
Confident but courteous ask
Make it fit your exact message
Common questions
- How much notice should I give for a recommendation letter?
- At least two to three weeks is standard, giving the recommender enough time to write a thoughtful letter.
- What information should I include in the request?
- Include the deadline, purpose of the letter, and a brief reminder of your work or achievements relevant to the request.
- How do I follow up if I haven't heard back?
- A brief, polite reminder a week before the deadline is appropriate, framed as a gentle check-in, not a demand.
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Missed a class and need the notes? A quick, friendly message usually does the trick, especially if you offer something in return.