Letters of Recommendation

Professors get many requests for Letters of Recommendation. If you are considering asking Dr. Castillo Vardaro for a letter, please consider the following before making a request:

• How well does Dr. Castillo Vardaro know you? Have you been to her office hours or spoken to her outside of the classroom? If not, you are likely to get a generic letter of recommendation and may be better off asking someone who you have interacted with more.

• When is the letter due? You should make a request at least one month in advance, otherwise you are likely to get a generic letter. If you make a request less than 2 weeks in advance, your request may be turned down.

When making a request, please provide the following information:

• Purpose of the request (description of the internship, scholarship, graduate school application, job, etc.)

• Due dates and submission instructions

• Relevant information about the program, such as a website or advertisement

• A 1-2 page personal statement explaining:

• Your career goals

• Why you are applying to this particular program

• Why you think you are a good candidate for the program

• How the program will help you achieve your career goals

• Your previous interactions with Dr. Castillo Vardaro and dates (such as classes and terms taken, etc.)

• Your cv (optional, but highly encouraged)