Westminster College has changed to Westminster University! See my updated contact information.
If I've agreed to write you a letter of recommendation for an REU, internship, or graduate school, please provide me with the following:
A signed Letter of Recommendaton Information Release Form. This is for compliance with FERPA, a federal law, and gives me permission to share academic information with the recipients of the letter.
You should check that you waive your right to review the letter.
You must sign the form, but can submit it to me electronically or hard copy.
One copy is fine, just write that the intended recipient as "Graduate school admissions committees" or "REU selection committees", for example, if you are requesting multiple letters.
I'll request a new form each year.
Copies of your application materials, e.g. CV, statement of purpose, unofficial transcript. This helps me see what aspects of your academic and personal life you are emphasizing in your application, and I can back those aspects up in my letter. If applying to multiple places, just send me copies of one set of application materials. It's okay to edit these later, but at least send me what you have so far. I am happy to provide detailed feedback and suggestions on application materials if specifically requested, and given enough time before the deadline.
A list of the places to which you are applying, their deadlines, and how the letter is to be submitted (for example, will they contact me to request the letter, or do I need to submit it by email or via a form). It's okay if this list changes, just make sure to keep me up to date.
Optionally, please tell me any other information I should know to help make your application as strong as possible. For example, are there gaps in your academic record that you'd like me to explain to the selection committee?
When filling out your applications, remember:
It is customary to waive your right to view your recommendations. Your application will be looked at suspiciously if you do not.
Online application portals often allow you to enter the email addresses of your recommenders before you complete and submit the application. Please do this ASAP so that your other recommenders and I receive the email notification well before the deadline.
I highly recommend Westminster College students contact the Fellowship Advising Office or the Career Center for professional help with their applications. Also check out the resources available on the Society of Physics Students Canvas pages.