Letters of Recommendation
Letters of Recommendation
If I have served as your instructor or mentor in some capacity, you may ask me for a letter of recommendation for college applications, summer programs, scholarships, etc.
I may decline to write you a letter if I feel that I do not know you well enough or have not known you for long enough; a letter from someone who can describe in detail your achievements and what makes you stand out from other applicants (that's a big one!) will go much further than a generic letter, regardless of who is writing it.
If I agree to write you a letter, please send me the following:
Any links and/or instructions directly from the program for submitting the letter.
The deadline for submitting the letter.
Any materials that you are submitting as part of the application, such as your transcripts, resume/CV, or a statement of purpose.*
*I will also happily review these materials if you request feedback on them.
As well as answers to the following questions:
What is your name, year, and major? If you are a dual enrollment student, list your intended major. If you have a different legal name and preferred name/nickname, please let me know how to address you in your letter.
How do I know you? If you took a course with me, please indicate which one (course number, section, and semester).
What program(s) are you applying for, and why are you interested in them? What do you feel makes you a good fit or strong candidate for the program?
What do you think I should highlight or do you hope I will speak to as part of your recommendation letter? (e.g., mathematical abilities, intellectual curiosity, work ethic, ability to work independently, collaborative nature, a specific project?)
What are your long term goals? How does applying to this program fit in?
Do you have any experiences (courses, projects, jobs or hobbies, summer programs/research) that relate to the program to which you are applying?
Optional Additional Questions:
Please choose four adjectives you think describe you well.
What are some of your accomplishments, academic or otherwise?
If you are requesting your letter very far in advance, please send me a second reminder 3-4 weeks before the deadline to submit your letter. You can do this by simply forwarding any previous email conversations of ours to me, along with the deadlines and links for submission.
The questions on this page are inspired by a list by Brittney Bailey.