While in China, I was told (by both Chinese and American professors) that Chinese students expect you to write recommendation letters that they can place in their permanent files. For most Chinese professors, these letters are relatively standardized, positive, and done as a matter of course without a lot of individualized attention. I haven’t been asked to write any letters for my former Chinese students who only plan to continue their education in China, but my recommendation has been sought by a significant number of students who want to study in the United States, Cananda, and the UK. My former Chinese students are surprised to find that most schools (and LSAC) do not anticipate that students will see their letters of recommendation, and are absolutely shocked that I will not send them my letters of recommendation to them for their review. They insist that I send them the letter for their review, and when I decline the first assumption is that I’m not understanding their request. I assure them that I understand their request, but that it is best for them to formally waive their rights to review (e.g., on the LSAC form), and that I would have declined to write them a letter if I could not write a positive recommendation. I’ve very upfront with my Chinese and American students about whether I believe I can write a good letter on their behalf, as well as strategize what key characteristics I should discuss. But am I being too conservative here? Should all my students just be able to see my letters first, and then they can decide whether it enhances their file?
October 17, 2010
Chinese Students and Letters of Recommendation
Posted by Jason J. Czarnezki under China, Law Schools, Life[3] Comments
JASON J. CZARNEZKI 
October 17, 2010 at 6:29 PM
This is a great question. Absolutely, you have the right to write confidential letters.
In every pre-law presentation, I spend considerable time addressing letters of recommendation. Applicants take them for granted, yet several applicants are denied admission each year due to unfavorable letters. In fact, I have on file one letter that I use as an example where the professor states that he cannot recommend the candidate, who was the weakest student in his classes and is not a viable candidate for law school.
My response addresses a different aspect of your question, but equally important issue of candidates talking to the prospective recommender and then the recommender being honest in the conversation with the candidate.
October 17, 2010 at 7:32 PM
Kathy,
Thanks for the comment. I wonder if part of the problem arises, not only because professors aren’t upfront with their students, but also because students have trouble getting to know their professors and have limited recommendation options. On three different accounts I have told students I could only write an average letter, but they insisted that I write the letter since I was the only professor they felt they knew well enough to ask.
Thanks again,
Jason
October 18, 2010 at 3:40 PM
Frankly, I always give students a copy of the letters I write. I do not give them a preview copy, but when I am sending off the letter I give them a copy so they know what it says. I do this because I think it can be helpful for students to know what is in their letters. I don’t tell me students that I will do this ahead of time and I have never had a student ask for it.
I know that most faculty do not share the letters with the students, but I just haven’t seen any benefit from it.
I have never turned down a request to write a letter, but I have had requests withdrawn when I made it clear that my letter would either be unfavorable or would not be a strong letter for other reasons (usually because I don’t remember the student that well).