Letters of Recommendation

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Me?

I’ll be happy to write letters for any student. Though before you ask me to write you a letter, you should consider whether I’m the best person to ask.

Most obviously, I can only write things I know about you. Thus if you didn’t do well in my class and never showed up, I’m probably not the best person to ask. Moreover, if you did well in my class but never spoke up or talked to me outside of class, someone who knows you well may be a better choice.

That said, in some cases my letter might be useful to fill out the picture given in your other letters. Even if you didn't do particularly well in my class, I may be able to write a letter which emphasizes your personal qualities and non-academic acomplishments. For example, if you’ve been in more than one of my classes or we’ve talked a lot before class or in office hours, I may be able to write a letter which presents your personality, maturity, wit, etc, or which mentions the extra curricular activities you’ve talked to me about.

Time

It is best to give me at least a month to write your letter. I’m often rather busy so I sometimes must turn down last minute requests. Also, please email me periodically to check in on my progress. Unfortunately, a letter can slip off my radar until we're almost to the deadline. Thus since this is something very important for your future, please take the initiative to make sure I'm not lagging.

Materials

To write your letter I’ll need at least the following:                                

1. Whatever forms need to accompany the letter with your information filled in

2. Addressed and stamped envelopes (if I’m to mail them myself)

3. A resume or CV.

4. All exams or papers you’ve written for me. Include both good and bad ones --the bad ones will help me if I'm going to say how much you improved over your years here. It's best if you can give me copies of the drafts I've written comments on.

5. Any exams or papers that you've written for other classes which you're particularly proud of or which demonstrate your improvement. Copies with the professor's comments are preferable. Personal statements and other materials that will accompany your applications.

6. A list of things you'd like me to emphasize or mention. Since I can only do so iif I know them to be true, please include evidence where necessary.It's often helpful if you write me sample paragraphs of what you'd like to be included. I probably won't use them as is, but it will help me get a sense of what's important.

Updated

17 November 08