Letter of Recommendation

I am glad to write strong, detailed letters for students I know well. Please contact me as early as you can. Send the materials below at least two weeks before the first deadline.

What to send

1) A Google Sheet with applications

• University and program

• Degree and research area

• Application portal link and submission method

• Deadline (date and time with time zone)

• Whether you waive your FERPA right to read the letter

• Any required prompts the recommender must address

• Names of potential advisors, if relevant
  
  

2) Your materials

• Transcript and CV or résumé

• Drafts of your statement of purpose, personal statement, and writing sample (if any)

• One paragraph on your long-term goals and how this program fits those goals

• Preferred name, pronunciation, and pronouns
  
  

3) If you took my course

• Course number and title, term, year, and grade

• Specific examples that show your strengths. For instance: a project you led, a difficult bug you solved, or a time you helped your team finish on time.

• Any memorable moments in class or lab that demonstrate initiative or insight

4) If I mentored your research

• Project titles and dates

• Your role and concrete contributions (experiments designed, algorithms implemented, analyses led, ideas you proposed)

• Outcomes (posters, talks, code, data, papers, preprints). Include links where possible.

• Short notes on what you learned, challenges you overcame, and how you worked with collaborators
  
  

5) Evidence I can cite in the letter

• Independence: times you proposed a new approach, identified an overlooked issue, or designed a small experiment on your own

• Intellectual traits: curiosity, depth of thought, analytical reasoning, ability to connect ideas across topics

• Communication: clear writing, strong presentations, constructive feedback to peers

• Professional qualities: persistence, integrity, reliability, teamwork, leadership

• Moments when you asked a challenging question that advanced the discussion for everyone
  
  

Timing and reminders

• Could you send the full packet at least two weeks before the first deadline? Earlier is better, especially for December timelines.

• Please send gentle reminders 1 week, 3 days, and 1 day before each deadline.

• I will confirm after I submit each letter.
  
  

Notes

• I only write letters that I believe will help you. By asking for a letter, you agree to an honest evaluation of your work and potential.

• If a program has specific questions for recommenders, could you include them in your Google Sheet?

• If the letter must be printed or signed, please let me know in advance and include any required forms.