If you would like to request a letter of recommendation from me, please follow the instructions below.
- Please ask me (either in person or via email) at least one month, and preferably two months, before the letter is due.
- If you did not receive an A in any class(es) you took from me, it is probably to your advantage to ask someone other than me. I can make an exception to this rule, but you need to make an argument to me about why I should do so.
- Provide me with all of the following that are relevant to your application:
- an unofficial transcript
- your CV/resume
- links to your publications (if relevant)
- any specific noteworthy and positive feedback I gave you during the course(s) you took with me
- a list of the programs you are applying to together with the date the letter is due, how it is to be submitted, any prompts given for letter writers, and a few sentences about why you are applying to this program
- a list of other people writing recommendation letters for you for the same application and their departments
- any written materials you are submitting as part of your application; drafts are fine
- make a note of anything in your file you would like me to highlight; are there specific qualities you know will be important and that I can speak to? If so, please tell me about them!
- If my letter needs to be physically mailed, please provide me with an appropriate envelope that is addressed and stamped. Similarly, if there are any forms that need to be printed, please give me the physical copies.
- Please pre-fill as much of my information as possible. My contact information, position title, email address, etc. can be found on the home page of my website.
- You must waive your right to see any letter I submit. (I believe this is the only way to have the letter taken seriously.)
- Once I have agreed to write a letter, I will send you an email once it is completed. If you have not heard from me one week before the letter is due, please send me a reminder email!