5. If there are any specific issues you would like your referee to address in
the letter (for example, your research interests, your summer abroad
experience, a weak grade in a class, etc.), it is helpful for both of you to
discuss this. You can also provide them with a guide of topics to include,
such as (taken from the OCS guide):
1. Intellectual ability; rank as compared with Harvard and non-Harvard
students, this year and/or previous years.
2. Follow through on assignments, rigor of academic program.
3. Depth of involvement and achievement in work, lab, volunteer,
extracurricular activities.
4. Ability to communicate both in person and in writing.
5. Maturity, emotional stability, concern for people, problem-solving
skills, tenacity in reaching goals, curiosity, creativity, capacity for
leadership, self-discipline, integrity.
6. Response to criticism, ability to relate to others, capacity for
collaborative work with others, attitudes toward supervision.
7. Motivation and potential for success in career.
6. Three days before the letter is due, you should send a friendly email to
your referee, reminding them about the due date. This can be done politely
by mentioning that you are just “checking in” to see if they had any
remaining questions about the letter (which is due in a couple of days). Be
sure to make it clear in this reminder that you appreciate their time and
efforts.
7. After the referee has completed the letter, you should send an email
thanking them. If the letter means a lot to you, or if you gave the referee
little notice, thank them by specially by bringing a small card, etc. (This is
not necessary if Dr. Draft or Dr. Magnotti are writing letters for you).
8. When you find out about whether or not you got into the program, email
your referee and let them know (especially if you DID get in!).