References
As of July 1, 2010, Career Services will only support requests made by students/alumni to have their files transferred to INTERFOLIO 
or to obtain copies of their non-confidential letters currently on file at UB Career Services.
- Request your file be sent to INTERFOLIO
.
You must first create an account with Interfolio. Please make sure you choose University at Buffalo for your Interfolio "Affiliation." - Request any Non-Confidential letters that are currently on file at UB Career Services to be sent to yourself.
Complete and return the form below to UB Career Services.
Request for Non-Confidential References: PDF (44KB) | Word (55KB)
Reference Letters
A Reference File contains documents that may be used in support of a candidate's application for employment or for graduate/professional school admission. This typically includes letters of recommendation and/or transcripts* or other academic documents. Typically, there are two types of reference letters:
- Confidential: If you sign an optional waiver of your right of access, you will have relinquished your right to see what is written in the reference, and your reference will be considered "Confidential."
- Non-Confidential: If you choose to not sign an optional waiver of your right of access, or if you have specifically requested a letter be written for your viewing.
Your Reference File may contain as many letters as you like, pertaining to graduate/professional school applications, employment or both. Generally, you will need 3 - 5 references. Individuals writing letters should use letterhead of their organization. Some graduated schools require that letters be written on their specific forms.
Over time, you may update your reference file by requesting references from additional letter writers or by asking those who have previously submitted letters to update them.
*Transcripts and copies of UB diplomas may only be obtained through the University's Registrar's Office
.
Tips for Asking Someone to Write You a Recommendation Letter
It is very important to have strong letters of recommendation attesting to your academic achievement and potential. Ideally, letters should come from faculty members, not teaching assistants. While your supervisors can attest to your work ethic and conduct, admissions committees for graduate and professional schools (composed of faculty members) generally look to other faculty to assess your academic potential.
- Don't make the mistake of waiting until just before your applications are due to start asking for references. It may take your reference writers days or weeks to write your letters.
- Start cultivating your references early by letting them know your intent, participating in class, going to office hours, doing extra credit work or other things that might get you noticed and help you establish a relationship with your teachers.
- When you ask for letters of recommendation, go in person to see your teachers; do not email or leave notes or phone messages. Your professors may want to meet with you to discuss your career goals and review your previous work.
- While you cannot suggest what they write about you, you can suggest topics they might cover. Academic integrity and initiative, spoken and written language skills, analytical ability, and resourcefulness are examples of topics about which you might ask your professors to write.
- By asking them if they feel they could write you a strong letter of recommendation, you leave them an "out" to say no if perhaps they feel they don't know you well enough. A mediocre letter of recommendation will not help your application.
We suggest that you open account with INTERFOLIO
. You can then ask your professors to write a letter and forward it to INTERFOLIO.
