If you’re a U3 student thinking of applying to grad school or an internship, you know what time of year it is: reference letter season. While different schools and programs all place varying emphasis on this component of an application, it’s still important to put some thought and effort into your letters. Here are some tips on how to ensure you get glowing reviews from your professors.

Start early: It may seem silly, but it’s best to start thinking about which professors you are going to approach when you are in your second or third year. Any prof will see right through a student who tries to cozy up during the first month of class and then asks for a letter. This means making a concerted effort to get to know your profs by approaching them after class with questions and going to their office hours. This is the only way you can make yourself stand out in a large class; even if you’re in a smaller group it shows the prof that you are interested in the material.

Select carefully: Most importantly, make sure you select professors who genuinely know you as a student. A good rule of thumb is that if the prof doesn’t know you by name, it’s not worth asking. While your PSYC 100 prof may agree to write you a letter, it will be very clear to whoever is reading it that this person doesn’t actually know you and has simply inserted your name into a form letter. Also, it’s important to make sure that the professor has the capacity to write you a good letter. There is nothing wrong with asking this straight out, and most profs will be honest and suggest you ask someone else if they don’t feel they know you well enough to act as your reference.

Be organized: Although writing reference letters is part of a professor’s job and you should never feel guilty about asking them to do so, professors get inundated with requests during the first couple months of the fall semester. Try to ask them as early as possible so as to give them ample time to write a high-quality letter. Most profs will probably ask you to send them a copy of your CV as well as any personal statement you may have to submit, so make sure you have those ready as well. It’s also courteous to buy prepaid envelopes, address them yourself, and drop them off at your professor’s office so they don’t have to pay for postage themselves. Finally, ask them to follow up and let you know when the letters have been sent out.

Say thanks: After the letters have all been sent out, be sure to thank whoever wrote you the letters with a card and a small gift. A box of chocolates, homemade baked goods, or a small plant is always a good idea.