If you are a recent graduate or currently in school, the committee requires at least two letters of recommendation to complete your application. These letters should be from your academic instructors who can candidly and objectively make assessments in the following areas: scholarly abilities, capacity for original thought, ability to conduct critical analysis, quality of written expression, growth potential, achievements and personal characteristics.
If you have been out of school for two or more years, the preferable choice for a recommendation is from an immediate supervisor or someone who is familiar with your work. We will also accept a letter from a professional colleague, a former supervisor or professional client. Regardless of the recommender, he or she should address the qualities as outlined in the paragraph above.
For efficiency, you will find it useful to submit your letters to the LSAC Letter of Recommendation (LOR) service. Unless a recommender wishes to write on your behalf to Penn State Dickinson specifically, you are encouraged to take advantage of the LOR option. To use the LOR service, follow the directions for submitting letters outlined in the LSAT/LSDAS Registration and Information Book on the LSAC web site, or on the LSACD.
