Are recommendation letters from professors ever negative, or do they tend to be generally positive?
It’s a valid concern. Professors can write negative letters, but they’re generally less common. Most professors, if they can’t write a good letter, will politely decline to write one at all. That’s usually the sign you should look for.
Exactly. They’re not going to sabotage your application. They’d rather just not be involved. It reflects poorly on them too, in a way, to write a truly negative letter. It suggests they didn’t guide or mentor you well.
That makes sense. So, if a professor agrees to write a letter, it’s usually a good sign?
Generally, yes. But it’s still a good idea to have a conversation with them beforehand. Discuss your goals, your strengths, and why you’re applying to this particular program. This gives them context and helps them write a more personalized and effective letter.
And be sure to give them plenty of time! Don’t spring it on them last minute. Provide them with all the necessary materials – your resume, a list of your relevant coursework, a statement of purpose, and any other information they might need.