Letters of reference for graduate school are one of the most important parts of your application. They help us determine if you are ready for the academic challenge of earning your master’s or doctoral degree.
The Graduate School requires three letters from people who can comment authoritatively on your academic accomplishments, work or internship experience, and/or potential for success in graduate studies.
Submitting Letters of Reference
Go to “” in the online application and enter the name and contact information of your letter writers in the Recommendations section. Each letter writer will receive an email that includes a link to an online recommendation form. If they wish to provide a separate letter, they will be able to upload this information via the link.
You will also be able to view the status of your letters of reference and send reminders to your letter writers.
Waiving Your FERPA Access Rights
You are asked on the Reference Form whether you want to waive access to these letters of reference.
Under the provisions of the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) of 1974, if you answer "yes," you will not be granted access to this information as an enrolled student. If you answer “no,” you retain the right to review letters of reference after you’ve enrolled in graduate studies at that institution. To learn more about this issue read our blog on letters of reference.