What documents to give to recommenders?

[C_Chattra]

Hello! I am new to this website and I've found the posts to be very helpful. Thanks for sharing all these info! I have a question about what documents do recommenders usually want from an applicant. I'm currently doing research and am thinking of asking my PI to write me a letter. Do they usually want a resume, statement of purpose, and college transcript?

Not sure if this info will help, but I'm going to be applying to Teacher's College MA Psychology in Education program. Thanks for your help!

[TakeruK]

My recommenders generally want to see my CV. When applying to grad schools, since I am asking for a lot of letters at the same time, I also provided a 1 page summary that listed all the schools, deadlines, faculty I'm interested in at that school. In addition, that page contained a blurb that stated my research goal in 2 sentences and a summary of my GPA and GRE scores.

In the past, some recommenders also wanted to see the actual application I am submitting so that they make sure that their letter corresponds with what I'm saying (usually they ask this for fellowships and they mostly want to see the research proposal). I don't submit this by default, but if they want it and I have it ready, then I try to provide it.

[Dal PhDer]

TakeruK gives great advice.

Whenever I am asking for a LOR I tend to give them (a) an idea of the goals/objectives of the LOR (e.g., what does the school/application want out of the LOR), and ( as much information that they might need to make a solid and informed LOR.

Occasionally, I will point out a few things under the objectives. So if a LOR requires a summary/opinion of the student's volunteer experience, I might list where I have volunteered, my contributions, etc.

In general I will always send my most recent transcripts, an updated CV, an a summary of my research report (normally an abstract and/or a 1 page overview) - however, at your stage, you might not have this. If you don't, I would send in your other application material - eg. statement of purpose.

You want to make sure (1) they know what program and school you're applying for, (2) they can accurately comment on your program/research of study and relate your skills and background to it, and (3) give you positive comments with facts to back it up. LOR are stronger if they can say "this student is has an excellent background of research experience, from their work on......blah blah blah"

[sareth]

TakeruK and Dal PhDer both make excellent points. I'd like to suggest adding one more piece: if you're asking for a bunch of letters all at once (say, you're applying to 6-7 graduate programs or three different fellowships) include a table with the name of the program, whether it requires an electronic or hard copy of the LOR, the due date, and any program-specific info (for instance, the program requires an additional form). I've had several profs tell me that having the info in this format makes it easier for them (and really, that can only lead to a stronger letter, right? )