Requesting Reference Letters

The following list of materials was modified based on Professor Michael Orrison's model.  Thanks.

First, if I hired you as a teaching assistant before, and you need me to be your reference for background checks. Feel free to do so without asking for my approval. It would be helpful and greatly appreciated if you notify me after you have me listed, and remind me when and with whom you worked as a teaching assistant for the math department.

Secondly, if you have taken classes with me before and you believe I am the best person to write a recommendation letter for you, please contact me first before you list me as your reference. If I have agreed to write the letter for you, please provide me with the following information at least two weeks before the deadline. And remind me again if the letter has not been submitted three days before the deadline.

• a copy of your transcript (unofficial is fine),

• a copy of your resume,

• a copy of your Personal Statement (if applicable), and

• answers to the thirteen questions listed below (the more complete your answers, the better).

  1. What is your full name, year, and major?

  2. For what are you applying? (internship, scholarship, graduate school, links to the programs, etc.)

  3. List the programs to which you are applying, together with due dates for the recommendation letters. (If you are not applying for the traditional type of REUs or graduate programs, please also provide me with a short introduction in your own language, or a webpage introducing the program)

  4. When did I first meet you (month & year)?

  5. In what capacity did I first get to know you (student in my class, research collaboration)?

  6. If you took classes with me,

     • List all the classes you have taken with me (course number and time), and your final grades in those classes.

     • Describe how you distinguished yourself in each of those classes.

  7. If you worked on a research project with me, 

     • Describe the research you have worked on with me. Was it summer work, senior thesis work, other?

     • Summarize the research project motivation and goals.

     • When did we work on this research (what time frame)?

     • What were your main contributions to the research?

     • What were the biggest challenges, and the biggest rewards of the research project(s)?

     • What were the final results?

     • Where has this research been presented (publications, talks, poster sessions)?

  8. What are some of your academic and research accomplishments (REU’s, summer research)?

  9. What are some of your nonacademic accomplishments and extracurricular interests?

  10. What are your long-term goals and will this position/honor/award help? If so, how?

  11. What makes you particularly qualified for this position/honor/award?

  12. How would you describe yourself?

  13. Additional comments (interesting jobs, hobbies, anything else you would like me to know - and write into the letter).

You are also encouraged to chat with me about other ways you can make the letter-writing process go as smoothly as possible for you and me. Good luck!