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Old 08-25-2010, 11:40 AM
 
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I have a friend who asked me to write a letter of recommendation for him to go to a grad school that I previously attended. I know the person socially, but haven't worked with him. Have you ever done this? Would a grad school take the letter seriously? And what should I say?
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Old 08-25-2010, 11:28 PM
 
Location: San Francisco, CA
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If the grad school takes such a recommendation seriously, I would question the seriousness of the school. Every reputable school will not consider it worth the paper it was printed on and doubt the prospective student's IQ for even submitting it. Recommendations are to be written by bosses, heads of departments, professors, and other credible sources who have relevant professional experience with the prospective student... not the person's buddies, girlfriend, mom, etc.
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Old 08-25-2010, 11:37 PM
 
Location: 20 years from now
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For your own benefit and reputation (as well as the student's) I would not recommend that you write one for a student who you have no academic knowledge of. Grad school LORs should be as PERSONAL as possible in the professional sense.
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Old 08-26-2010, 06:30 AM
 
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Thanks for your advice!
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Old 08-26-2010, 12:13 PM
 
447 posts, read 1,614,388 times
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I decided not to write it. I told him I didn't think it was appropriate since I had never been in a work situation with him.
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