Mary Shelley’s novel Frankenstein was first published anonymously in 1818, almost 200 years ago.  Incredibly, Shelley began writing this much acclaimed literary work at the age of 19 and finished at 21 (an age range familiar to many of you). For a young English woman to produce such a gruesome yet grand novel was unheard of! The story of Dr. Frankenstein’s monster, cobbled together from body parts, has since been adapted to theatre & radio productions, television mini-series, video-games, and many, many movies.  

The most recent movie adaptation, I, Frankenstein, is scheduled to be in theatres this January 2014 (link to trailer is below). Indeed, the enduring themes of Shelley’s masterwork--exploring the nature of humanity and the boundaries of science--have stood the test of time.  One particularly famous quote from the original novel, “Beware; for I am fearless, and therefore powerful,” should become the rallying call for all UMBC juniors and seniors seeking strong letters of recommendation! 

Nothing strikes terror in a typical student’s heart more than the prospect of approaching a professor for a letter of recommendation—for an internship, scholarship, or graduate school application.  Even students with top grades are nervous.  Let’s be honest; it is scary.  What if the professor says “no”? What if the professor does not view you as recommendation-worthy?  Fear of rejection is a natural feeling in this scenario.

You must build a relationship and a rapport with a professor before you ask for a letter of recommendation!   This is why participating in class, asking questions after class, and visiting during office hours is vitally important.  If you ask a professor you have never previously spoken with for a letter of recommendation, you may well get a “no” for an answer! 

Allow at least 2 months prior to the deadline for the application for graduate school.  Anything less than 6 weeks is an imposition. For certain internships and small scholarships, a shorter turnaround time may be necessary, but always give the letter-writer as much time as you possibly can.  Asking potential recommenders 3-6 months ahead if they would be willing to write a letter gives them a chance to get used to the idea. Then you circle back when the details are available.

The best recommender varies somewhat depending on the application, but it is always best to ask someone who knows you well. A professor who taught you in several courses, or served as your research mentor, or who hired you as an undergraduate teaching assistant will know you well enough to write a letter on your behalf for graduate or professional school. If you are applying for a job as a camp counselor, a staff person in Residential Life who supervised your work as an RA could be an excellent choice. 

Ask in person, face to face, and not by e-mail.  

E-mail is OK to set up an in-person appointment or a telephone conference. But the “ask” itself needs to be in person if at all possible, with telephone as backup.  There are many reasons for this, including:  (1) it emphasizes how important the letter is to you; (2) it gives you an opportunity to provide context and answer questions; (3) it gives the letter writer a chance to remember you. 

Let me be blunt:  many faculty members are offended by a request to write a letter of reference that comes in the form of an offhand email such as the following:

The letter writer needs, in writing for reference later:

1.  Facts about you

2.  Facts about the position or program you are applying for

3.  Facts about exactly what you want him or her to do and when

Often it is helpful to provide a copy of your resume and your unofficial transcript.  The transcript reminds them what courses you took with them and the grades you earned and gives an overall picture of your academic program.  If the application includes a “personal statement,” it is very helpful to provide a draft to the recommender.

It is critical to provide the logistical details; if it is an on-line reference, is there a form to complete, and where do they send the letter?  Your goal is to make the process as simple and painless as possible for your recommender.  

Build a “fudge factor” into the deadline you give the recommender.  If possible, suggest a deadline that is several weeks earlier than the final “drop dead” deadline.  Be very, very clear about the deadline and then send gentle “nudge” e-mails to remind the letter-writer that the deadline is 2 weeks away, 1 week away, etc. Then, if the deadline is a few days away and you do not have confirmation that the letter has been produced and submitted, go to see the professor in person and courteously inquire about the status. 

An e-mail is good; a hand-written note is even better. 

Mary Shelley eloped at age 16 with a married poet, Percy Shelley.  He drowned when she was 24.

The story of Frankenstein was written on a dare from Lord Byron during a vacation in Scotland.

The full title of the novel is:  Frankenstein, the Modern Prometheus. Prometheus was a Greek god who tried to improve humanity but suffered tragic consequences.

Frankenstein is the name of the mad scientist who creates a monster, but over the years “Frankenstein’s monster” has simply become “Frankenstein.”

Graduate School Application Guide, Career Services Website

Writing Letters of Recommendation, Joe Schall, Penn State Univ.

Are you nervous about asking professors for letters of recommendation? Or not? Share your thoughts in the comment section below!