How to Enhance your HDS Application with Letters of Recommendation

Elinor Bate, MTS ’27

Before you make the ask, ask yourself: Which recommender can speak most meaningfully to my academic, intellectual, and graduate school potential? This should be someone who knows you, and, most importantly, your work—very well.

I was working full-time in book publishing and had been out of school for a year before applying to HDS (and other graduate programs). I was prepared to reach out to my undergraduate professors and my boss to cover the spectrum of recommenders who were well acquainted with my work. Luckily, all of my undergraduate professors were happy to write letters.

But I did not leave them in the dark. I arranged meetings with my professors to ask for “advice” about applying to graduate school. These conversations often led to them proactively offering to meet with me, and eventually, the letters followed.

Keep in mind that professors may have hundreds of students reaching out to them, so I would recommend building a relationship with them over time. Keep them updated on your plans, show that you are genuinely interested and committed to graduate school, and communicate your application timeline clearly. Crucially, if you are applying to multiple schools, make sure your recommenders are speaking specifically to HDS, or are providing a sufficiently general letter that can work across applications. Sometimes students make the mistake of submitting letters written specifically for another school to HDS, which can be a costly oversight.

Finally, remember that a personalized letter from a close mentor often shines brighter than a standardized letter from someone with a higher “status” who does not know you as well.

Lin Morales, MTS ’27

When I was deciding who to ask for recommendations, I considered what my academic journey looked like. Your transcript and CV tell your story, so ask yourself this question: in what areas can my letters of recommendation provide insight into my story?

For example, I graduated as a triple-major in Religious Studies, Political Science, and Studio Art—however, I didn’t arrive to college with this specific combination of disciplines in mind, rather, there were several pivotal moments throughout my undergraduate career that led me to them. I had decided to take an intro to Religious Studies course in my sophomore year, and from then on, I was hooked! This class—this moment—is reflected on my transcript. I also looked at my involvements and jobs outside of the classroom, and I noticed that there were several professors that I had planned events with or who attended my events, and employers who supported my professional and academic development. These moments were reflected in my camera roll—pictures taken at these events, group photos of my team at work, captures of the space…your moments have already been recorded somewhere; you just have to identify them and put into words how much they meant to you and your journey.

Many of these pivotal moments were thanks to my professors. But who were these people for you? Who makes up your support system? Who are your biggest cheerleaders that want to see you succeed? How did they play a role in forming your academic journey?

Candice Mulinda, MTS ’27

When choosing people to write your letters of recommendation, try to choose people who are well-acquainted with you and your work, and communicate with them early and (semi) often.

By the time that I was applying to HDS, I had been out of college for a year and working fulltime. As I started brainstorming who to ask for my recommendations, I emailed a couple of professors for coffee chats to explain my interest in applying to divinity school. Remember if you’re reaching out to professors, they expect that students will ask for recommendations, so don’t let your anxiety get the best of you! After talking through my intentions for applying, I reached out to four recommenders, just in case one was not available to write. 

When three professors agreed to write for me (one was unavailable), I sent them my résumé, a working draft of my statement of purpose, and the area of focus that I intended to apply to about 6-8 weeks before the application deadline. Whenever I had updates–for example, I switched which area of focus I intended to apply to–I reached out to let them know. Additionally, I would suggest giving your recommenders suggestions on areas of your academic, professional, or spiritual journey to highlight.

Before clicking “submit” on my application, my recommenders had been with me on my application journey from beginning to end, which helped them write strong recommendations and gave me the peace of mind that they could represent my aspirations well.

Claire Weber, MDiv ’29

For my letters of recommendation, I wanted to choose people who knew me academically and in a ministerial setting, especially since the MDiv application requires a letter that speaks to your ministerial potential. I chose a professor with whom I had taken several classes and done research with, because I felt he knew my academic interests and their intersections with my hopes for a ministerial vocation well. I also asked my thesis advisor, since she worked closely with me over the course of my time in undergrad and could speak to my ability to research and communicate my thoughts. 

For a recommender who could speak to my ministerial potential, I asked a spiritual director who was familiar with what I felt was my calling to ministry and who could accurately reflect my skills and plans for chaplaincy work. I think ministerial potential can seem like an overwhelming concept to ask a recommender to discuss, but framing it as letting HDS get to know my interests in the context of the MDiv program helped me to better understand who a good fit for a recommendation letter would be. I made sure to ask recommenders early, and I sent them materials like my statement of purpose and provided context about the program I was applying for. I think it is also incredibly important to make sure you send a thank you note and demonstrate your gratitude! I was so grateful for my recommenders in taking their time to support me in my academic journey.