Recommendation Requests

Are you thinking about asking for a recommendation letter, here are some things that make for a good recommendation candidate:

• I have taught you in the last year

• I have taught you in more than one class

• I have both taught you and had you in a club or advocacy

• It may have been more than a year since I've taught you, but we had a great teacher-student relationship and I would have lots of things to write about even after time has passed.

The best recommendation letters are specific, if it's been a long time since we've spoken or there wasn't anything specific to note about our work together I may not be your best fit :)

Please give me as much advance notice as possible, especially for college rec letters that are often due at the same time as other students.

• For full letters I need at least 3 weeks notice

• For simple forms 1-2 weeks is fine

• If all you need is a previously written letter re-addressed to a new recipient I can usually get that turned around in 48 hours

Please actually ask, preferably in person, don't just list me as a reference and then have a stranger reach out and ask for a recommendation ... it's both rude and you won't get the quality of recommendation you would want.

Here's what I need if I can write you a rec letter:

1. What's the format (letter, form, etc.)

2. How does it need to be submitted (email, link, postal service, etc.)

3. What is it that you are applying for?  Why do you want to do it? How does it connect to your plans for future education and/or career?

4. Are there particular qualities that they are looking for that I can tailor your letter towards?

5. Do you have any specific memories of activities, lessons, moments, etc. from class/club that you think stand out as representative of the version of yourself you are looking to promote? ( I will have my own ideas, but people often surprise me with what they view as having been important ro transformative).

6. Due Date

• When I get the information above, I'll add your rec letter deadline to my calendar.

• I absolutely do not mind a gentle reminder a week or so before deadline if I haven't done it yet or you are just wanting to check in

• Once I'm done and the letter is submitted, I'll send you an email letting you know so that you can cross it off of your "to do" list

• Please let me know how it goes!!!