If you’re thinking about going back to school after time away, you’re probably navigating a lot of unfamiliar territory. Between applications, transcripts, and entrance exams, there’s one requirement that often catches non-traditional students off guard: the letter of recommendation.
Maybe it’s been years since you’ve asked anyone for a professional reference. Maybe you’re not even sure who to ask. If you’re feeling uncertain about this step, you’re not alone. This guide will help walk you through everything you need to know about securing strong letters of recommendation as you prepare for your return to education.
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What Exactly Is a Letter of Recommendation?
A letter of recommendation is a written endorsement from someone who knows you well and can speak to your abilities, character, and potential for academic success. Think of it as a professional character reference that gives admissions committees insight into who you are beyond your grades and test scores.
For returning students, this letter becomes especially important. It helps admissions officers understand your journey, your growth since you were last in school, and why you’re ready to succeed now. A strong letter of recommendation can bridge the gap between your past academic record and your current readiness to learn.
Why Letters of Recommendation Matter
You might wonder why some institutions may ask for these letters in the first place. The truth is, admissions committees are trying to build a complete picture of each applicant. Your transcripts show what you’ve done academically, but letters of recommendation reveal how you work, how you think, and how you’ve evolved as an individual.
For non-traditional students, these letters can be particularly powerful. They can explain career accomplishments that demonstrate maturity and work ethic. They can highlight the life experience you’re bringing to the classroom. They can also address any gaps in your academic history by showing the capable, motivated person you’ve become.
Who Should You Ask?
This is where many returning students feel stuck. If you’ve been out of school for five, ten, or twenty years, you probably don’t have recent teachers to call on. That’s completely fine. Schools understand your situation, and there are plenty of appropriate people who can write compelling letters for you.
Consider asking current or former supervisors who can speak to your work ethic, problem solving skills, and ability to learn new things. A manager who has seen you take on challenges and grow in your role can provide valuable perspective on your readiness for academic rigor.
Professional colleagues or mentors in your field can also be excellent choices, especially if they’ve worked closely with you on projects or have observed your professional development over time. They can speak to qualities like collaboration, critical thinking, and dedication that translate directly to academic success.
If you’ve done any recent volunteer work, community involvement, or professional development courses, the people who supervised or taught you in those contexts can be great recommenders. Even if the experience was brief, what matters is that they observed you in a learning or leadership capacity.
For those who have maintained relationships with former professors despite the time gap, these academic connections can still work, though you may want to take enough time to genuinely reconnect and update them on your journey before asking for a letter.
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How to Choose the Right Recommender
Not all letters of recommendation carry the same weight. You’ll want someone who actually knows you well enough to write with specific detail and genuine enthusiasm, to complete your letter of recommendation. A lukewarm letter from a prestigious person is far less effective than an enthusiastic, detailed letter from someone who truly understands your strengths.
Look for people who have directly supervised your work or collaborated with you closely. They should be able to provide concrete examples of your abilities rather than vague generalizations. Think about who has seen you at your best, who has witnessed you overcome challenges, or who has commented on your growth and potential.
You also want someone who communicates well in writing and will meet deadlines reliably. The most glowing recommendation in the world won’t help you if it arrives after the application deadline has passed.
How to Ask for a Letter of Recommendation
Asking for a letter of recommendation can feel intimidating, but approaching it thoughtfully makes all the difference. Start by reaching out early, ideally giving your recommender at least four to six weeks before your deadline. People are busy, and a rushed request often leads to a rushed letter.
When you make your request, be direct but gracious. Explain that you’re applying to return to school, briefly share why this matters to you, and ask if they would be willing to write you a strong letter of recommendation. Notice the word “strong” in that request. This gives them an easy out if they don’t feel they can write enthusiastically on your behalf.
If they agree, make their job easier by providing context. Share information about the program you’re applying to, your goals for returning to school, and specific qualities or experiences you hope they might highlight. You might include your resume, a draft personal statement, or a brief summary of your academic and career journey. The more information you provide, the more detailed and compelling their letter can be.
Don’t forget to give them all the practical details such as where to submit the letter, the deadline, and any specific format requirements. If the letter needs to be submitted through an online portal, provide clear instructions and make sure they have everything they need to access it.
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Following Up and Saying Thank You
After you’ve made your request and provided the necessary information, send a gentle reminder about a week before the deadline. People appreciate the nudge, and it ensures nothing falls through the cracks.
Once your recommender has submitted the letter, send a sincere thank you note. This isn’t just good manners but will help to maintain a professional relationship that may benefit you in the future. Let them know you appreciate the time they invested in supporting your educational goals.
What If You’re Really Stuck?
If you genuinely cannot identify anyone who can write you a letter of recommendation, don’t panic. Some schools offer alternatives for non-traditional students, such as personal statements that address your readiness for academic work or the option to submit additional professional references instead.
Something else you could also consider is taking a community college course or online class before applying to your main program. Not only will this give you a recent academic reference, but it will also demonstrate your current ability to succeed in a classroom setting.
Best rule of thumb though, when you’re stuck or in doubt, reach out to the admissions office of your target school. Explain your situation honestly and ask what they recommend. Admissions counselors work with non-traditional students regularly and can often suggest creative solutions you haven’t considered.
Moving Forward with Confidence
Securing letters of recommendation is just one step in your journey back to education, but it’s an important one. These letters give schools confidence that you’re ready for the challenge ahead and that you have professional supporters who believe in your potential.
Remember that being a non-traditional student is actually your strength. You’re bringing life experience, professional skills, and hard won maturity to your education. A well crafted letter of recommendation highlights these advantages and shows admissions committees exactly why your unique perspective will enrich their program.
Start early, choose your recommenders thoughtfully, and don’t be afraid to advocate for yourself throughout the process. The effort you put into securing strong letters of recommendation demonstrates the same qualities that will help you succeed once you’re back in school: initiative, professionalism, and commitment to your goals.
It’s a courageous step to return back to school and the right letters of recommendation will help open the doors you’re working so hard to walk through. Take this process one step at a time, stay organized, and remember that every successful non-traditional student before you navigated these same challenges. You can do this too.
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