Instructions for
Letters of
Recommendation
If you need a letter of recommendation you should contact me
well in
advance
(at least two weeks).
Should you ask me? That
depends on a
number
of factors:
- Have you done well in several of my
classes (and
I know who you are)?
- Have been an advisee of mine for several
semesters?
- Have we spoken about your career ambitions?
- Have you conducted a research project with
me?
- Have you been an active member in the
B.A.S.S.
Club?
If you can answer yes to any of these, then I might be a good
choice.
On the other hand, I may not
be the
best
person if you:
- Have not had me for a class
- Have not done well in my classes
- Have attended my classes but never really
spoken
in class (thus, I really don't know you well)
- Have been my advisee for only a semester
or two
and we have not really spoken about career goals
To ensure a good
letter I need the following bits
of
information:
- Information on the scholarship, grant, or
graduate
program. This may include a copy of the application.
- A current transcript
- Your current GPA (which includes all
transfer
courses)
- A personal
statement or some indication as to why you want to apply
- A statement as to the activities you have been involved
with
over the past few years. What internships have you had. What jobs have
you
held etc.
- Give me a deadline
to mail
the recommendation out - this should be an actual date. It should be
the date
you want it mailed out. Not the date it is due.
- Make sure you provide me with the address
clearly typed (or word processed).
Providing me with this information (well in advance of a
deadline)
will ensure that I can create a personalized recommendation that speaks
well of your abilities.