3. Provide Your Recommenders with Background Information
People like direction. People are busy. Provide this to them. While it is not advisable to write your own recommendations for others to sign, it is advisable to provide your recommenders with the background information they need to write compelling letters of recommendations. Look through some items most recommenders will find it helpful to have:

• Your Resume: Give them the same one you plan to submit with your application.

• Your Statement of Purpose: In order for your letters of recommendation to do their job, the people writing them need to know how you are presenting yourself in your application. Your proclamation of objective will inform your recommenders what you have chosen to stress about yourself. In a case you have not completed your statement of purpose, provide them with a rough outline of what you plan to say.

• Talking Points: If you feel that a particular individual is able to comment on a specific project you managed or assignment you worked on, let them know. Bring to mind these as examples they can use to present your analytical ability, quantitative skills, maturity, leadership, etc.

• A List of Schools: Tell them what schools you are applying to and why you chose those particular schools.

• A List of Deadlines: Ask for recommendations well in advance of deadlines. If you really require a recommendation in hurry, try to ask in person and explain the time constraint.

4.Send a Thank You Note
Writing recommendation letters is a favor. Sending express thanks you note two weeks before the deadline will relate politeness, gratitude, and respect. Besides, the note will be a gentle reminder that the letter should have been sent already.

If you follow these basic tips, it should ease the stress of asking for, and receiving, the letters of recommendation that will augment your application.