Recommendation letters

I am happy to write recommendation letters to support students’ job, fellowships, and graduate school applications. However, writing letters takes time, and effective letters need to convey how well I know you and your work.

I can say more about you if you were my research assistant, if I (co-)supervised your thesis, if you were an engaged student in one of my classes, or if I had the chance to talk with you about your interests or work during office hours. A letter for students with whom I had almost no interaction will not help their applications because there is not much I can add to their transcripts. It helps me to know why you are applying to a given job/program, and what you think your strengths are.

Please email me your request for a recommendation letter with a minimum three-week notice. Most students need letters around the same times of the year, and I need to organize the time to read your materials and write.

Please send me the following information with your request:

•  Your CV/transcript.

• The program/job/fellowship you are applying to, and its deadline.

• The modules/classes you took from me (and year).

• The papers or any work you presented for my classes, with mark and feedback.  

• Additionally, it is very helpful if you:

  • send a draft of your cover letter or research proposal if relevant.

  • tell me what you would want me to stress in the letter (why  you are good for this position, whether I am the only academic referee, what aspects of your work with me, etc.).

Please, remind me! If a few days before the deadline I have not uploaded your letter yet, please remind me that the deadline is approaching.