"邮件发了三遍,教授回的还是‘Thank you for your email’——你离强推,只差这三步关键沟通。"
1. 别一上来就开口要推荐信,先让教授‘认识’你
场景再现:你在都柏林圣三一上了一学期《数据结构》,课后从没露脸,期末冲到教授办公室说:‘老师,能帮我写个推荐信吗?我要申帝国理工。’ 教授微笑点头,回头写的却是:‘该生按时交作业,课程参与度一般。’
正确打开方式:提前两三个月开始“种印象”。比如每次大作业提交后附一句:‘Prof. Walsh,我在实现递归函数时参考了您课上讲的栈调用模型,还对比了Python和C++的效率差异,这是我整理的小总结(附件)’——这种主动拉近距离的操作,能让教授在脑内给你贴上‘认真、有思考’的标签。
2. 沟通时机+模板话术,决定回复率
爱尔兰教授普遍偏保守严谨,直接问“Can you write me a reference?” 容易被婉拒。更聪明的做法是:
- 选课结束后的两周内,约Office Hour面对面聊一次职业规划,顺势提出:‘I really valued your feedback this semester — if I apply to research-focused MSc programs, would you feel comfortable supporting my application with a strong reference?’
- 如果教授犹豫,别硬求,补一句:‘Totally understand — I can share my personal statement and project summaries so you have more context.’ 多数教授会在看完材料后改口答应。
*亲测有效细节:UCD有位计算机系教授明确表示——每年只给不超过5名学生写‘outstanding candidate’级别推荐信,提前预约+材料到位的学生优先锁定名额。
3. 把‘推荐信内容’悄悄递到教授手里
很多学生怕麻烦教授,结果收到的推荐信平淡如水。其实90%的爱尔兰教授乐意接受‘draft suggestion’,前提是你足够尊重流程。
提交申请前,附一封简洁邮件:
To: Prof. Kelly
Subject: Reference Support Documents
Dear Prof. Kelly,
As discussed, I’m applying to the MSc in AI at University College Cork. For your convenience, I’ve prepared a brief summary of my contributions in CS4021 and key projects (attached). Feel free to use any part that aligns with your evaluation.
Thank you again for your support.
Best regards,
Li Wei
? 关键细节:附件命名别用‘Draft.docx’,换成‘Talking Points for Reference Letter - Li Wei.pdf’,既专业又不越界。


