Recommendation Letter Request Email Templates: Get Strong Letters Every Time

A Lukewarm Letter Is Worse Than No Letter Selection committees read thousands of recommendation letters. They can spot a lukewarm one in seconds: 'Student X performed adequately in my course and turned in assignments on time.' That letter actively hurts you. It tells the committee that the best this recommender could say is that you existed. Strong letters are specific, enthusiastic, and comparative: 'In twenty years of teaching, Student X is in the top 5% of students I've encountered.' Getting that kind of letter isn't luck — it's the result of strategic communication before, during, and after the request. These templates help you request letters that give your recommenders everything they need to advocate for you powerfully. The Request That Sets You Up for Success Subject: Recommendation letter request — [Your Name] for [What] 'Dear [Professor/Supervisor], I'm applying for [specific program/position/scholarship] and I believe you could speak to my [specific qualities] based on our w