It depends on who is writing the letter to an extent. I would expect a letter of recommendation to efuse about what you are good at and explain why you are worth a recommendation. If you were very artistic *and* in the top 5% of your class I'd expect the letter to mention both ;o)

Uh oh.... social anxiety disorder.
Can someone please help me answer these common sense questions?

is it rude/inconvenient:

A. to ask one person to write multiple letters of recommendation for 4-5 schools?
B. to ask said person to review my portfolio, even if he/she is not an art/arch professor
C. to ask someone who i haven't contacted in months to write my letters - even though I know these people believe I'm a "good student"
D. to e-mail my request..... ok... I know this is bad, right?

Of course I'll be asking several months in advance.


THANK YOU!!!
I went to Christian school with only one other classmate, don't hate me for my lack of social skills ;) ;) ;)

A- I think this is acceptable. Most people aren't going to write radically different letter. I think you can expect only a small amount of "customization" for each of the schools you are applying to.
B-Most people are thrilled to review and critique a portfolio. I wouldn't worry about that at all.
C- This is often the case. I think you owe it to them to get them up to speed on what you've been doing, where you've traveled, projects, etc
D - email? bad? in this day and age? what else is there? Actually, I would probably call them if you have a current phone number.

I think a lot of students who never had an Arch teacher might have a hard time getting feasible LORs, since chances are their teachers wouldn't know how to critique a portfolio beyond "it's good". What would you guys recommend for such students? Should I tell them what to write or should I (like jizzy has inquired) ask for a more general LOR?

rexxer: I think you should show them your portfolio anyway. LORs relating more directly to relevant work weighs more than general LORs, given the same absolute LOR strength. Remember to ask for a strong LOR, of course. Of course, if both your portfolio and your general class performance are strong, your LOR could be a 2-bird killing stone.

Hi , I have a similar question.

I have a bachelor and master degree in computer science. I discoveried what I really want to do is to become an architect.

I'm applying for M.Arch 1 program for Fall 2010. Right now, i'm facing the dilema of who to choose to write recommendation letter for me.

Here are the options:

(1) Ask from my old Computer Engineering professors at U of Michigan, which they can verify my acdemia strength in math and science, but i don't think they will have anything to say about arts. They may be able to back up about my design ability and creativity about software programming...btw, i've graduated for 6 years and havn't contacted them for 6 years...

(2) Ask from my current and previous employer. They prob have nothing to say about my potential for success in architecture, but should have alot to say about my professionalism as an IT consultant, and suggest that i'm smart.

(3) I just took a painting and a drawing classes at Indianapolis Art Center, a local non-profit organization. Many freelance artist teaches there. So I get to meet two teachers from my classes. I think they also teach at a local community college. I can ask from them, but wonder if it would be a strong recommendation, since they only know me for 2 months.

So, I want to get some opinions who I should choose to give recommendation.

thanks,
Jy

Jydl - if it had to be one of them, i would chose the #3. I wouldn't count on profs from 6 years ago for sure (my mom teaches).