Note: I ignore any recommendation requests via email if the student has not touched base with me first!
First, students should seek recommendation letters only from teachers who have such respect and hopes for the individual applicant's academic endeavors. Be advised that I will consult with other faculty on their experience with you in their class.
Remember that life is a stage and the world is watching so get your act together.
I am more than happy to write letters of recommendation for students. However, just as students have the right to ask for letters, I have the option of refusing to write such letters.
My main criteria for agreement are these:
- The student must have earned at least an 80 (preferably 90 or above) in one of my courses.
- I must be familiar with the student beyond a grade in my records--that is, he/she must have been a memorable presence either in the classroom or outside of class. Note: See concise summary write-up highlighted in blue below.
- These criteria ensure two things. First, if a student has earned a high grade in my course(s), we both know that I think highly of the student’s performance and abilities. The second restriction makes certain that I know a particular student well enough to write more than an extremely generic letter that would not ultimately serve to help secure acceptance to a program.
If I agree to write a recommendation, the student has several responsibilities and I will NOT entertain exceptions:
Give me at least three weeks to work on the letter. More time is, of course, better. I want to write a carefully crafted letter, but with my schedule, I cannot always make time in a particular day--or even week--to work on such a document. Also, note that I am requesting time "to work" on the letter, so the three weeks should be prior to when you want me to mail the required elements. And make sure you inform me of the deadline by which the letter must be received.
Provide me with a document that lists the course(s)/year(s) when you took the course and a thorough resume on who you are in school and outside of school. As mentioned above, reference letters are most effective when the writer can speak about the specifics of a student’s performance. Be sure to include any information that will sell you as well-rounded and an asset to the academic institution for which you are applying. I would also like to know why it is that you are choosing the institution and/or program for furthering your studies and experience.
o In addition to your resume, I expect a concise summary essay of your experience in my class and why I should consider you for recommendation. Include your contributions to the course and the rapport that we had together on your journey to learning and understanding the study of life. Be very specific with this so I may recall your habits in and out of class. For example, if you contributed often to class discussion, displayed a strong desire to succeed through study, avoided complaining about the expectations imposed, seeking extra help, helping others, etc. Also, what were your habits when it came to completing assignments thoroughly and on time?
Furnish all the necessary forms and other documents I will need to include. Any parts of such forms that should/can be filled out by the applicant--name, address, desired program, etc.-- should come to me already completed. (Even if an on-line option exists, include printed copies of the forms: if the on-line option is not functioning, I want to be able to send physical documents.).
Supply completed self-addressed envelopes with proper postage for each item I shall be mailing.
Include your contact information (e-mail address and phone number) so that I can I can reach you if I need to ask you anything.
All of the materials that you submit to me should be placed together in a large envelope, with your name written on the outside or the institution/program should solicit my recommendation via email.
Please send me an e-mail reminder one week before the letter needs to be sent. In addition, I would appreciate it if you let me know where you get accepted.
Finally, understand that I thoroughly believe in the integrity of the recommendation process and will not entertain any student requests to submit an embellished recommendation. Also, realize that your request for a recommendation represents your implicit permission for me to discuss otherwise confidential information concerning your performance in my course(s)--for example, the grade you received and the reasons why you earned it. I will provide an honest assessment of your academic skills and contribution to academic discussion.