Graduate application references

Three references are required. Think carefully about who you will ask to complete a recommendation for your graduate program application. An ideal set of recommenders will be able to comment on your ability to succeed in the program to which you are applying, including the dimensions of research aptitude, intellectual potential, communication (both oral and written), maturity, ability to work with others, ability to analyze a problem and formulate a solution, motivation for program of study, potential for leadership, and potential for career advancement.

It is strongly suggested that recent graduates submit at least one (and preferably more) academic references from former professors. Those applicants who have been in the workforce for several years and who are not be able obtain academic references may submit three professional references. For example, a workplace training instructor may be able to comment on dimensions such as intellectual potential.

Personal references from friends, neighbors, family members and associates of family members are not particularly helpful in the graduate school application process.

Be mindful of due dates and allow plenty of time to obtain your recommendations. The admissions committee cannot act on your application until it is complete. Applicants can check the status of their recommendations on the graduate application status page.

A note on electronic recommendations

The University of Delaware allows electronic submission of references. In our experience, electronic recommendations tend to be shorter and less substantive than written letters of reference. When asking your recommender to provide a reference, if he or she plans to submit it electronically, you may want to suggest that the admissions committee is looking for details and examples to support the recommendation and encourage him or her to provide as much detail as appropriate.

School of Urban Affairs & Public Policy
184 Graham Hall | University of Delaware | Newark, DE 19716
phone 302 831 1687 | e-mail suapp@udel.edu | fax 302 831 3296