Should Students Read Their Letters of Recommendation?

The question of whether students should read their letters of recommendation is often a point of curiosity and concern. Whether a student can access these critical documents can depend on several factors, including institutional policies, recommender preferences, and the context in which the letter is written.

Factors Influencing Access

Institution Policies: Some universities and colleges have specific guidelines regarding student access to letters of recommendation. It's important for students to check the policies of the institution they are applying to. Recommender Preferences: Many recommenders prefer to keep their letters confidential to maintain the integrity of their assessment. This allows them to write more candidly without fear of how the student might react. Common Practices: In many cases, particularly for college applications, students are asked to waive their right to access their letters of recommendation. This practice is designed to reassure recommenders that they can speak openly without the risk of causing offense.

Undergraduate students are often advised to have an open conversation with their recommenders about these preferences. For graduate school applications, the scenario is slightly different, as the readers of the letters are aware of whether the student has waived access or not.

Recommender's Perspective

I advise students to consider the following points:

My Approach: Regardless of the student's decision to waive access, I still write the same letter. Readers' Perspective: Those who read the letter are more likely to take it more seriously if the student has waived access, as it implies a greater degree of trust and confidence in the recommender.

Students are naturally curious about the contents of their letters of recommendation. However, there is a psychological component at play: is it better to know or not to know?

From an effectiveness standpoint, not knowing might be preferable. This is because only about one in ten letters of recommendation actually provides useful and meaningful information.

Utilitarian Value of Letters

For example, a statement like, "Mr. Rajagopal is the best student I have ever had in 25 years," adds little value and offers no concrete details that could inform the admissions committee's decision.

Conclusion

Ultimately, the decision of whether to read your letter of recommendation is a personal one. However, understanding the potential impact on the credibility and effectiveness of the letter can help in making an informed choice.