Letters of Recommendation for BC’s MSAA: Best Practices for Outreach and Follow-Up

For many applicants, letters of recommendation feel like the most unpredictable part of the process—in part because they require you to rely on someone else’s schedule. While you can refine your personal statement at your own pace, a great recommendation requires coordination, trust, and a bit of patience. The good news is that with some intentional planning, you can make this easy for both yourself and your recommenders.

It helps to think of this not as checking a box, but rather as managing a professional project. Applicants who start early and follow a structured plan are much more likely to submit a complete application on time and receive letters that truly elevate their candidacy. A well-chosen, thoughtful letter is one of the most compelling parts of your file; it gives the admissions committee a window into your work ethic that only a close colleague or mentor can provide.

Why Letters of Recommendation Matter for the MSAA

The MSAA application requires two letters of recommendation, submitted directly by your recommenders. Recommendations represent the opportunity for someone who knows your work to speak to your potential in a graduate program focused on data analysis, machine learning, and applied problem-solving.

The admissions committee reviews letters for specific signals: your analytical thinking, ability to collaborate, work ethic, and capacity to grow. In a data-driven field, third-party validation carries real weight. Anyone can describe themselves as detail-oriented or analytically minded. A supervisor or professor who has seen you in action can offer more convincing evidence.

The right recommender can also reinforce the story you’re telling across the rest of your application. If your personal statement emphasizes growth in quantitative reasoning or leadership on cross-functional projects, a letter that echoes and expands on those themes creates a cohesive, credible picture of who you are and what you’re capable of.

How to Choose the Right Recommenders

Your letters must come from either professional or academic sources. Beyond that requirement, the best people to ask are those who truly know your work and can speak to your problem-solving skills or your potential to thrive in a graduate environment. You want someone who will write a letter filled with specific examples, not a generic template.

Where you find those recommenders depends on where you are in your career:

• Recent graduates should look to professors, research advisors, or academic supervisors who have seen your work up close—not just in a large lecture course, but in a seminar, lab, or project setting.
• Career switchers will benefit most from recommenders who can speak to transferable skills—supervisors or mentors who have watched you analyze problems, work with data, or navigate complexity in a professional context.
• Experienced professionals should consider managers, senior colleagues, or cross-functional leads who can speak to how you think and collaborate, and how you’ve matured as a leader.

A few concerns come up often, and they’re all worth addressing directly. If it has been years since you last worked with someone, don’t count them out. Most people are glad to help if you reach out thoughtfully to remind them of your history together and explain your new goals.

Your recommender also doesn’t need a technical background. The admissions committee cares more about their take on your analytical thinking, initiative, and adaptability than their knowledge of Python or machine learning. 

Lastly, don’t get hung up on titles. A detailed, personal letter from a direct supervisor who knows your daily output is far more valuable than a vague, one-paragraph note from a C-suite executive who barely knows your name.

Before you start sending emails, jot down three to five potential names. This gives you a solid list of primary choices and a few backups in case someone is unavailable.

How to Ask for a Letter of Recommendation

Start earlier than you think you need to. Reaching out at least four to six weeks before your application deadline ensures your recommenders can write a thoughtful letter without feeling rushed. It also provides a necessary buffer if someone’s schedule changes unexpectedly.

When you ask, be direct. Vague messages like “Would you be open to writing something for me?” can lead to vague commitments. Instead, try something clear and respectful: “I’m applying to the MS in Applied Analytics program at Boston College, and I’d be grateful if you would write a letter of recommendation on my behalf. The deadline is [date].” This approach respects their time and makes it easy for them to say yes.

It’s best to start with your most recent or strongest professional contacts first—those who have the freshest impression of your work and can speak most effectively to the skills we look for in MSAA candidates.

Set Your Recommenders Up for Success

Once someone agrees to help, your goal is to make it as easy as possible for them to advocate for you effectively. This means providing plenty of context rather than just a link to a form.

Send a follow-up email that includes:

• Why you chose them: Remind them of the specific projects or qualities you hope they’ll highlight.
• A program overview: Explain that the MSAA at Boston College focuses on developing the technical and non-technical skills—like communication and project management—needed to lead in today’s marketplace.
• Your current resume: This helps them see your full professional picture.
• Relevant wins: Point out achievements that align with the program’s 10-course curriculum, especially those involving data, analysis, or managing a project from start to finish.
• Specific themes: Mention qualities like ethical governance or analytical problem-solving that you’d like them to emphasize.

This isn’t about putting words in their mouth. It’s about providing the raw material they need to write something genuinely useful. A recommender who understands your goals and has concrete examples at their fingertips will produce a much stronger letter than one working from memory alone.

Managing the Process (Without Being Awkward About It)

Checking in with a recommender who hasn’t hit “submit” yet isn’t pushy—it’s professional. A quick, friendly note a week or two before the deadline is usually appreciated, as most people simply get busy and welcome a gentle reminder.

Before the deadline arrives, double-check a few logistics with your supporters:

• Submission method: Letters can be submitted through the application portal, emailed to the Woods College, or mailed in a sealed envelope. Ensure your recommender knows which route to take and has the right contact details.
• Deadlines and links: Confirm they have the correct cutoff date and the right portal link. A letter sent to the wrong inbox or arriving a day late can cause avoidable headaches for your application.
• Submission rules: Letters must be sent directly by the recommender. Unofficial submissions—letters forwarded by the applicant, for example—will not be accepted. Make sure your recommender understands this before they send anything.

Need Help? We’re Here to Support You

If you’re unsure about who to ask, how the submission portal works, or how to time your outreach, the admissions team is here to help. There is no question too small, and getting clarity early on can save you a lot of unnecessary stress as your deadline approaches.

Our faculty and staff genuinely care about your success, and that support starts the moment you begin your application. Whether you need to request more information or are ready to start your application today, we look forward to hearing from you.