Recommendation Letter Request

Name: Textglow
Author: Textglow

AcademicFriendly ToneMajor Rewrite

Before (Original)

Hi Professor Lee, I was wondering if you might be able to write me a letter of recommendation. I'm applying to some graduate programs and they need letters from professors. I took your research methods class last year and got an A. I hope this isn't too much to ask. The deadline is in six weeks.

After (TextGlow Rewrite)Friendly

Dear Professor Lee, I'm applying to five PhD programs in cognitive linguistics and I'd be grateful if you'd write a letter of recommendation on my behalf. You supervised my capstone on bilingual code-switching, which I believe makes you the strongest voice for my research potential. The earliest deadline is December 1. I'll send you a draft of my statement of purpose, a CV, and program details if you're able to help — and I'm happy to meet first if it would be useful.

What Changed

1Explained why this professor specifically is the right choice, making the ask feel considered rather than mass-sent
2Provided everything the professor needs to decide and write (materials, timeline, programs)
3Framed the request around research identity rather than just a grade