Thank you notes for grad school recommendations?

[audrey11]

Is it customary to write thank you notes to professors who have written recommendation letters?  I asked three of my undergraduate professors to write 2 recommendation letters each for the graduate schools I am applying to.  Just want to do the right thing.

[Clara Bow]

I think that that would be nice. My father is a professor and he's often gotten small gifts or thank yous from students he's helped get into grad programs and it always makes an impression on him.

[thebadchemist]

Yes.

I didn't do it.   Having written recs myself for former students, I can tell you that it takes a bit of time to do it with care. I definitely regret not thanking my instructors for their time.

[ShadesOfGrey]

Absolutely.  Handwritten thank you's are the way to go! The profs also love it when you keep them updated about your progress through grad school too (not every semester, but maybe an update halfway through or when something specifically reminded you of them)   "I found XXX difficult, but am working through it.  That huge paper I was complaining about all senior year actually prepared me for XXX."  I personally even plan to send them a note when I graduate (finally!)

This also goes for professionals who may have written you a recommendation...

[Lisbeth]

Even if it's not customary, it's an excellent idea.

After all, the recommender took time out of his/her life to write the recommendation, and it could make the difference between getting accepted or rejected.

[audrey11]

Thanks for all of your replies.  I have just one more question.  Do you think I should wait until I am notified by the graduate schools to write the thank you notes?  I'm just a little confused on this one.

[Lisbeth]

I'd write the notes right away, so that regardless of what or when you hear from the schools, your professor will know how much you appreciated his/her help.

And, it'll give him/her a nice warm holiday feeling. 

[ShadesOfGrey]

I agree with right away, and perhaps a short note to let them know you were accepted (I had good relationships with my professors, which is why I am so "for" continuing the communication with them. They also can be really great networking contacts personally and professionally, so my opinion is "it's never to early to start networking!")

[wetblanket]

Definitely write the thank-you notes right away.  You are thanking them for their efforts to help you, not for the outcome.

But definitely let them know what the outcomes are.  They'd probably be interested to know and it gives you a chance to thank them again.

You are part of a community of scholars now, so there is a good chance you will have more dealings with these professors or some of their colleagues in the future.

Good luck 

[freakyfemme]

Oh, crud.....I didn't thank my high school band teacher for the recommendation she sent me for Bishop's, or my private clarinet teacher either, and that was four years ago.  Of course, in the case of my band teacher, she hated me to begin with (but couldn't deny that I practiced every day, showed up to every single band rehearsal on time with my part prepared, and volunteered at all the events I could), so maybe going to a school about 900 miles away from her was all the "thanks" she needed, lol.

[audrey11]

I'm stuck on how to word these.  Does anyone have any suggestions to point me in the right direction? 

I really appreciate how helpful you have been so far.  I just don't want to write something that's possibly insulting in its brevity.

[ShadesOfGrey]

Thank you for taking the time to assist me in my effort to gain admission to graduate school.  I know that a recommendation from you will serve me well.  I consider it my privilege to be an associate of yours. 

Your accomplishments are truly amazing to me.  If I am able to demonstrate even a portion of your professionalism and integrity, I know that I will become successful in my own future profession in management.  I have learned, and hopefully will continue to learn, a great deal from you.

I will keep you apprised of my progress regarding graduate school.  Should I be able to assist you professionally at any time in the future, please do not hesitate to contact me.  Again, thank you for your time and your consideration.

This was for a professor that I *really* admired and had helped me deal with some personal/professional issues as well, so it may be a bit flowery, but you get the idea....