Letters of reference are required for practically every graduate school application and are an essential element of the process. Although grades and test scores are generally the most essential considerations, your letters of reference may be the determining element in the admissions process. Therefore, it is important that you choose references who can provide insight into your career goals and personality. Reference letters should be written after you have completed a project or two more specifically-titled documents such as reports or essays-and they should describe your work habits, professionalism, and ability to communicate effectively. The reference should be willing to write about you despite any negative information they may have heard about you from others. They should not be afraid to give opinions about your abilities even if those opinions are negative. Your letter writers should be professors or professionals who have had recent direct contact with you. They should be able to comment on your work ethic and ability to complete projects on time without excessive supervision. It is also helpful if they are academic peers so that they can compare you with other applicants and let you know how you measure up. Finally, they should be able to write about you in a way that does not violate any confidentiality agreements. The quality of your reference letters will be reflected in their content. Because reference letters are often used by administrators to make decisions about applications, it is important that you select people who can offer clear, objective opinions about you.