In this case, a transcript will be sealed in an envelope that you can include with your materials. To request a transcript to be sent, you must request it in writing and sign for it at the Registrar's office. At Radford University, transcripts are sent free of charge. To play it safe, request transcripts at least four weeks before they are due. Letters of Recommendation A letter of recommendation is a statement which attests to the applicant's potential for success in the graduate program and beyond.
Most schools require two or three letters.
For academic degrees, faculty members are the best references, though work supervisors or employers can also offer good insights. Recommendation forms are usually provided with the application and include a space for you to choose to waive or retain your rights to the recommendation. Many people believe that a letter carries more validity if you waive that right. Give that person ample time to write a good, detailed letter and if you feel it's necessary, you can provide them with your transcript, a copy of your application essay or a copy of a recent research paper. If a recommendation form is not provided in the application materials, the individual writing the reference will use his or her own letterhead.