Letters of recommendation are an important part of your application package. We value letters of reference that provide a holistic and honest assessment of the accomplishments and potential of the applicant, rather than the letter writer’s resume. The best letter writers are those who know you well, for example, a professor who academically evaluated you in an upper-division class or you have done research with, or someone with an advanced degree who has supervised you in a job or internship related to the graduate program you are pursuing. We recommend that you establish relationships with faculty early, for example through research, through volunteering, or through class projects. Make yourself seen in your undergraduate program so that your letter writers get to know you and can write a strong letter about your academic skills and personal traits. Coach your letter writers what to write about you by providing them with your CV and some bullet points about your accomplishments and interests.