I receive many requests for letters of recommendation. In order to manage the influx of requests, please see the instructions below.
Eligibility
I'm happy to write letters of support for students who meet one of the following criteria:
You earned a final grade of A- or higher in a course I taught.
You are a student whom I have come to know well through substantial engagement outside of class (e.g., as a research assistant, mentor, or advisor for a student organization).
I teach introductory undergraduate courses exclusively. If you are applying to graduate programs, I strongly urge you to seek a letter from an instructor in an upper division course and/or a more recent instructor. Of course, if we interacted extensively in class and/or have kept in touch, then I am likely an appropriate letter writer.
Request Process and Timeline
To ensure I can complete the letter of recommendation by your deadline, you must strictly adhere to the following two-step process:
Step 1: Initial Request (8 Weeks Before First Deadline)
You must email me at least eight (8) weeks before the earliest deadline for which you need a letter. Briefly state the opportunity (e.g., "PhD in History," "Summer Research Internship," "The Rhodes Scholarship") and provide list of all the letter of recommendation deadlines.
I will reply to your email indicating whether or not I am able to write a letter for you. I may decline to write a letter of recommendation if (a) I do not believe I am the right person to write your letter, (b) I already have committed to write other letters, and/or (c) I have other obligations.
Those who receive an affirmative response from me must immediately send two separate "All Day" calendar invitations (not time-specific) to my email address for the following dates:
Four Weeks Before the First Deadline: A reminder to start writing the letter.
Seven Days Before the First Deadline: A final reminder to ensure timely submission.
Step 2: Submission of Materials (4 Weeks Before First Deadline)
If I agree to write a letter, you must provide all required materials at least four weeks before the earliest deadline. Please compile all documents into a single, organized email.
Required Materials:
Your Current Resume/CV.
An Electronic Copy of Your Transcript (unofficial is acceptable).
Your Personal Statement, Statement of Purpose, or Essay prepared for this application. If no statement is required, please send a brief (1-2 paragraph) description of your goals for the program/opportunity.
Optional Material: To help me write the strongest possible letter, you may also include a brief document that outlines 2-3 specific anecdotes, projects, or accomplishments from my class or our work together that you would like me to highlight. This helps me focus the letter to your specific needs.
Disclaimer
I cannot guarantee that your letter will be submitted on time if you miss any one of the required steps, including the 8-week initial request, the immediate calendar invites upon my agreement, or the 4-week materials submission.