Who can be my recommenders?

Recommendations should be written by individuals who have supervised you in an academic, employment, or community service setting and who can comment on your intellectual ability, creativity, initiative, sensitivity to others, and leadership potential. Recommendations should not be written by friends or family members. When feasible, at least one recommendation should be from someone who can speak to your academic abilities, and another from someone who can speak to your experience/potential as an educator.

Applicants should obtain current recommendations that directly address their candidacy for admission to HGSE. Note that the HGSE Admissions Office may follow up with recommenders as needed for additional information.

Can I submit more than three letters of recommendation?

The online system will only support the submission of three letters. Given that, we encourage applicants to think carefully and thoughtfully about which combination of three individuals will provide the most complete picture of your potential and promise, both as a student in the classroom and as a leader and colleague in the field. The strongest letters are generally written by people who know you well and who can write detailed letters in support of your candidacy for graduate study at HGSE.

Can I remind my recommenders to submit their letters online?

Yes, you are able to send an email reminder to your referees via the Recommendations section of the online application. Please be sure, however, that your recommenders are aware of the application deadlines and online process, and choose them carefully to ensure that they can write on your behalf in a timely manner.

Can I submit my application if my recommenders have not completed the online recommendation?

If you have entered the names and contact information of your referees and if the other portions of your application are complete, then you may submit your online application.

Can I change a recommender once I have entered the information into my application?

No, we are unable to facilitate changing recommenders once you have entered them in the Recommendations section of your application. Please think carefully and thoughtfully about who you would like to serve as your recommenders before adding them to your application.

Can I submit a paper letter of recommendation?

All recommendations must be submitted using the online application system. We are unable to accept paper letters of recommendation.