This means you should be nearly complete with the application and be able to provide the supplementary materials to the letter writer for reference. This may include: Copy of your transcript Writing sample or portfolio of work Statement of purpose or cover letter Curriculum Vitae or resume Name of the institution Degree or fellowship program applying for Name of the contact at the institution receiving the letter Address and dates for sending the letter Any necessary letter forms, prompts, or the URL to complete and upload the letter Tell the most desirable candidates on your list that you hope to use them as a reference, in person if possible. Inform them of the general guidelines, due dates, and provide them with the necessary resources at this time. Ask directly whether or not they're willing to write you a positive letter of recommendation. If not, or they're unsure of whether or not they'll have time to complete it, move to other candidates on your list. Professors and academic advisors are generally happy to provide recommendations and consider doing so part of their professional responsibilities. However, because of the sheer volume of requests they receive, you should be sure to request the letter of recommendation well in advance of any admissions application or other deadlines. A good rule of thumb is making first contact a semester ahead of time to gauge their willingness to write a letter, and then making sure they have all materials at least a month or two before the deadline. Thank your references for providing letters with a note or phone call. Also, it's a good idea to keep them updated on your progress. They have a stake in your success, so let them know if you've been offered a spot at the university or program. This will also keep the door open if you need more letters somewhere down the road.

Summary: Collect all the information about both the institution and the application to provide to your letter writers. Make contact. Gauge their willingness. Be timely. Follow up and keep in touch.

This method requires you to wear a strapless bra. If you don't have one already, you will need to buy one. Make sure it will not show through the dress! If you are wearing a white dress wear a nude colored bra instead of a white one. These are what you will use to pin your dress to the bra. Before you can begin pinning them together, you need to have them on. It will be very helpful if you have someone help you with the pinning! From the inside (e.g. insert the pin from the inside of the bra to the outside of the dress. This will hide the larger part of the safety pin. If your dress has a lining, you can try pinning the dress only through the lining so that the pin doesn't show on the outside at all. Make sure, though, that the lining is strong enough to support the dress! If the lining is very thin, and the dress fabric quite heavy, it may tear the lining. Alternatively, if there is no lining or you want the extra support, pin through the entire dress, but make the space between where the pin exits the fabric and then re-enters the fabric as small as possible so that it will not be too visible. You don't have to pin every inch of the dress, but have enough so that the dress is well adhered to the bra. You don't want the dress to fall down in some areas and remain in place where it is pinned.

Summary: Find a strapless bra. Have plenty of safety pins on hand. Put your bra and dress on. Pin the bra and dress together. Pin all around the dress.

It's no surprise that a lack of sleep can cause irritability and changes in mood. You may actually develop a mood disorder if you're consistently sleep deprived. Disruptions in the sleep cycle have been strongly connected to depression and a reduced quality of life. You may also feel more anxious and lose your motivation to do simple everyday tasks. Sleep deprivation may resemble depression or anxiety. Patients report poor mood, irritability, low energy, decreased libido, poor judgment, and other signs of psychological dysfunction. These symptoms usually disappear when normal sleep is restored. If you're sleep deprived, you may have trouble concentrating or paying attention. It may be harder for you to make decisions, remember things, or react. All of these can increase the number of mistakes you make and make you feel restless. No matter how hard you try, you feel fatigued throughout the day. While the purpose of sleep isn't completely understood, studies have shown that sleep energizes the brain. Most people experience an afternoon drop in energy levels, but a little caffeine or rest can help them regain alertness. If you find, however, that you feel like you're dragging throughout the entire day, you may be sleep deprived. Assess your level of fatigue after napping. Did taking naps used to refresh you and now they don't? If you feel like you're always groggy, even after resting, you be dealing with sleep deprivation. Studies have shown that sleep deprivation can lead to weight gain and obesity. This is because your body releases appetite-regulating hormones while you sleep. Sleep is also important for processing glucose faster. Sleep deprivation can disrupt this, contributing to the development of type 2 diabetes. Pay attention to changes in your weight, appetite, and blood pressure. Changes may signal that your body is sleep deficient. Sleep deprivation can also raise your blood pressure, increasing your risk of heart attack. Sleep apnea has also been connected with heart disease. Lack of sleep may contribute to the development of hypertension, coronary artery disease, and heart attack. Consider if you gained weight since the start of the period you've been getting poor sleep. If so, your body may be reacting to sleep loss. If you find yourself frequently canceling plans with friends or family because you're too tired, you may be sleep deprived. While passing on a party isn't unusual, if you find yourself constantly avoiding social events this consequence of sleep deprivation can lead to a poor quality of life. Sleep deprivation and anxiety are closely connected, causing tension in family and social relationships. Your work life may also suffer since sleep deprivation can increase your risk of injury on the job, especially if it requires driving. For example, did you used to enjoy seeing friends and going to events? If you now dread the thought of leaving your house, or it just seems like too much work, you may be sleep deprived. Track important sleep information so that if you need to see a doctor, you can give details about your symptoms. Keep a log of when you sleep, how long of a stretch you slept, the quality of sleep, and whether or not you had trouble falling or staying asleep. You should also note how you felt throughout the day, including your energy level. Note whether your sleep seems to be impacted by outside factors, such as your diet or exercise routine.

Summary: Notice changes in your behavior. Consider your energy levels throughout the day. Look for changes in your health. Consider your social life. Keep a sleep log.

Difficulty holding onto reasonable goals and ideals Trouble with controlling anger Memory and concentration lapses Career obstacles Struggles with enjoying everyday life, recreational activities and finding satisfaction and serenity (peace of mind).
Summary: Inform them of the various techniques available to assist those not reasonably happy or productive, and that with help, it's possible to overcome such issues: Approach improving mental health as a worthy endeavor that enhances values, positive character traits and adjustment to life; so endorse what life can offer. Realize that one can live a fuller and more creative life, and enhance mental strength to better cope with challenges via flexibility - as opposed to snapping under pressure.