Recommendations play an important role in the admissions process, and it is also one of the pieces that is out of your control once an individual agrees to write you the letter. Follow these 6 steps to ensure that you get the best letter possible:
- Ask early. Give each recommender as much time as possible before the deadline. If you are asking a professor, do so in the early fall before midterm pressure looms. Nothing guarantees a ho-hum letter like giving someone 2 days to write it.
- If at all possible, ask for the letter in person. Ideally, try to set up a time to chat with your recommender so that you can explain why you are applying to law school. It is also helpful for the recommender to put a face to a name – especially if it is a professor from a large lecture style class. If you are not able to request the letter in person, be sure to provide each recommender with a package of information about yourself.
