recommendation letters
To help illuminate the process for students who would like a recommendation letter from me, this page details what we (meaning, me -- the letter writer -- and you, the letter requester) should expect from each other.
The first thing to note: writing letters is a part of my job, and I am happy to do it! However, it does take some time to do it well. So, please follow these guidelines to make it easy for me to write the best letter possible.
Please email me asking for the letter, along with a brief summary of why and how we know each other. Do your best to give me at least 3 weeks notice before your first deadline. (I can sometimes provide letters on shorter notice, but I cannot guarantee it!) If I do not feel I am the right choice to write the letter, I will say so. I want to make sure you can submit the best application possible, which means I want you to have enough time to find an alternative (this is another reason for the 3 weeks notice). If I am not confident that I can provide a letter, I am happy to help brainstorm about who you could ask instead.
I will ask to meet with you, either in person or over Zoom. This is typically a short meeting, lasting around 30 minutes. You should be prepared to tell me:
why you asked me (vs someone else) to write your letter
what is drawing you to the program(s) that you're applying for
what you hope to get out of the experience in the short- and long-term
what you want me to emphasize in the letter (this is related to why you asked me vs someone else)
some of your strengths that you want me to highlight, and how those strengths were demonstrated within whatever capacity we know each other
are there other things you want me to know and discuss? (For example, are you a first generation college student? Are you a veteran? Are there other circumstances that have positively or negatively impacted your trajectory which impact how one should read your application?)
You should send me the following if/once I agree to write the letter, and do so at least 2 weeks before your deadline:
a link to whatever program/internship/fellowship program you are applying for
drafts of the statements you are submitting (and their prompts/solicitations as well)
a copy of your résumé/CV
an unofficial transcript
the pronouns you'd like me to use in the letter
Depending on the program, you may feel compelled to include other documents (e.g. a final project, a portfolio, a pre-print, etc) as well, which is fine!
Once I submit my letter, I will email you to confirm that I've sent it in. If you haven't heard from me within 48 hours of the deadline, please feel free to send me a reminder!