Requesting Letters of Recommendation
Do you need a letter (or letters) of recommendation from me? Because I am
asked by many people to write letters, I ask that you follow the following
steps to make the process easier for me, and to help me write the best
letter possible for you.
If you need a letter of recommendation, you should ask me at
least three weeks before the letter needs to be sent. In addition, you
should provide me with some basic information that will help me to make
the letter more effective. (Remember, the less interaction you and I have
had, the more thorough the information you will need to give me in order
for me to write a good letter.)
Once I have agreed to write a recommendation for you, please give me the
following:
- a copy of your personal statement (if applicable),
- all necessary forms, addressed envelopes, a list of deadlines, and
clear instructions as to what to send
- Furthermore, provide me with the following information:
- Tell me your name, year, major, and what classes of mine have you've
taken.
- Give me a list of all classes you've taken and what grades
you received in these classes. A photocopy of your transcripts would be
ideal, but if it's easier for you just give me a list of the courses and
your grades (to the best of your memory).
- Give me a list of the program(s) to which you are applying,
together with due dates. Also give me the name of the person or program
to whom the letter should be addressed.
- Provide me with a description of these program(s), and any
information on what criteria they use to judge applicants.
- Tell me your long term career goals, and how this program will
contribute to you attaining them.
- Tell me about any academic accomplishments or experiences relevant to
the application. In addition, give me any information about yourself
that you think will be useful to me as I write your letter.
- Tell me about any nonacademic experiences (community service, jobs,
etc.) that you think may be relevant.
Please feel free to send me email reminders as deadlines approach. (And
don't feel like you're bothering me -- a friendly email to remind me is
more than welcome.) Once I have sent your letter(s), I will send you an
email informing you that they are submitted. So until you receive that
email, you should keep an eye on the deadline(s).
Also feel free to chat with me about other ways you can make the letter
writing process go as smoothly as possible. Good luck!
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