request-an-academic-reference

name	request-an-academic-reference
category	school
description	Prepare a respectful academic-reference request with enough evidence, context, and time for an informed response. Use when asking an instructor, adviser, or research supervisor for a recommendation.

request-an-academic-reference

Make it easy to give an honest yes or no. Supply context and evidence without scripting praise for the recommender.

Procedure

1. Verify the application, reference type, submission method, deadline, confidentiality choice, and any relationship requirements.
2. Choose a recommender who directly observed relevant work, growth, judgment, or contribution.
3. Ask early and explicitly whether they can provide a strong reference by the deadline.
4. Remind them how they know the applicant using course, project, dates, work samples, feedback, and outcomes.
5. Provide the prompt, program context, current resume or activity list, goals, transcript if appropriate, and submission instructions.
6. Highlight relevant evidence as a factual memory aid, not a draft letter or demanded language.
7. Record their answer and any requested material.
8. Send one polite reminder at an appropriate interval, confirm submission without demanding content, and thank them afterward.

Failure plan

• Do not pressure someone who hesitates or declines.
• Never invent achievements or ask the recommender to endorse facts they did not observe.
• Respect confidential-reference rules and do not seek access the applicant waived.
• If time is short, disclose the deadline and make refusal easy.

Done

• The request identifies the exact opportunity, deadline, and submission method
• Supporting evidence is accurate, relevant, and sent with consent
• Acceptance, follow-up, submission status, and thanks are recorded