THE LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION THAT GOT ME INTO THE HARVARD GRADUATE SCHOOL OF EDUCATION

Summary

In this video, the speaker shares their journey through the application process to the Harvard Graduate School of Education, focusing on the importance of strong letters of recommendation. They highlight how one professor praised their initiative, independence, and research skills, emphasizing their ability to work with minimal guidance. The video provides valuable insights for prospective graduate students, especially those outside the U.S., on how to approach letter writers and what content can strengthen an application. The speaker also discusses how the letters complemented their statement of purpose and academic goals.

Takeaways

• 😀 Be proactive: Ivan’s experience demonstrates the importance of taking initiative before even starting a program, like reading the relevant literature ahead of time.
• 😀 Independent research is key: Graduate programs, particularly at the PhD level, value students who can conduct independent research with minimal supervision, as Ivan’s mentor highlighted in his letter.
• 😀 Specific examples matter: Letters of recommendation are most effective when they include concrete examples of your accomplishments, like Ivan's mentor detailing his research project and findings.
• 😀 Balance academic and personal qualities: When asking for recommendations, ensure that the letter writer includes both your academic strengths and personal traits such as leadership, work ethic, and passion.
• 😀 Strong letters showcase growth: Recommenders should focus on how you have evolved, like Ivan's mentor mentioning how he made significant strides in his project despite limited guidance.
• 😀 Diverse perspectives strengthen your application: Letters from different types of recommenders—academic mentors, colleagues, and leaders—add depth and highlight a range of skills and qualities.
• 😀 Preparation is key: Ivan’s proactive approach to preparing for his research project before meeting his mentor demonstrates that you should be prepared and knowledgeable when entering a new academic setting.
• 😀 Recommenders should understand your goals: The letter writers should clearly understand your academic and career aspirations, as Ivan's mentor did in supporting his future goals in education policy.
• 😀 Tailor your requests to the program: Make sure the focus of the recommendation aligns with the specific program you're applying to, ensuring the letter emphasizes relevant skills or experiences.
• 😀 Letters complement your personal statement: A well-crafted letter of recommendation should align with and reinforce the themes in your statement of purpose, showcasing your readiness for the program.

Q & A

What is the main theme of the video Ivan shares?

The main theme of the video is Ivan’s experience with letters of recommendation during his application process to the Harvard Graduate School of Education. He shares insights on how these letters contributed to his success and what prospective applicants should ask their recommenders to highlight.

How did Ivan prepare for the letters of recommendation process?

Ivan proactively prepared by providing his letter writers with detailed materials, such as his resume, writing samples, and information about the programs he was applying to. This ensured that his recommenders could craft personalized and compelling letters.

What is emphasized about Ivan's ability to work independently?

The letters of recommendation emphasized Ivan's ability to work independently. His research mentor highlighted how Ivan started reading relevant literature and preparing for his project even before stepping onto campus, showcasing his initiative and self-sufficiency.

Why is it important for letters of recommendation to complement a statement of purpose?

Letters of recommendation should complement the statement of purpose by reinforcing the candidate’s goals, motivations, and character. In Ivan’s case, his letters aligned with his statement of purpose, underscoring his commitment to social justice and academic research.

What specific traits did Ivan’s recommenders highlight about him?

Ivan’s recommenders highlighted several key traits: his leadership abilities, initiative, empathy, dedication to community service, and passion for education. They also emphasized his ability to think critically and contribute to academic research in meaningful ways.

How did Ivan's research findings stand out in his letters of recommendation?

Ivan’s research findings were described as a critical contribution to the existing literature, particularly his work on Latino students' academic struggles and help-seeking behaviors. His research filled a gap and provided new insights into men of color in higher education.

What role did Ivan's ability to engage in difficult conversations play in his success?

Ivan's ability to engage in difficult conversations, both with his mentors and through his research, was highlighted as an important factor in his success. This skill was especially evident in how he tackled sensitive issues such as help-seeking behavior among men of color in academia.

What advice does Ivan give regarding the request for letters of recommendation?

Ivan advises that prospective applicants be clear with their recommenders about what they want the letters to highlight, such as their personal qualities, achievements, and future potential. He stresses the importance of guiding the recommender to ensure the letter is personalized and impactful.

Why did Ivan choose to waive his right to access his letters of recommendation?

Ivan chose to waive his right to access the letters of recommendation to ensure that his recommenders could write freely and honestly without concern that he might read them later. This is a common practice when applying for graduate programs.

What can students do if they come from countries where letter writing norms are different?

Students from countries where letter writing norms are different can provide additional guidance to their recommenders by offering examples or suggestions on how to write strong letters. This can include providing details about their academic and personal achievements, as well as the program they are applying to.