Recommendation Letters

So you want me to write a letter of recommendation for you? Do I really know you or did you take a four week summer course with me and didn't say more than 10 words to me?

1. Before asking any professor for a letter, make sure he/she got to know you so he/she can write the best letter on your behalf.

2. Don't ask for generic letters. Specific letters addressed and geared to the specific position/grad school/etc. are more effective than generic, to whom it may concern, letters.

3. Allow any faculty a minimum of two weeks to complete a letter.

4. Provide the following information. Be as specific as you can in your information so that I can write a convincing letter of recommendation for you

Your full name (or the name you used on your application to wherever this letter is for):

Student ID or identification applicable to the person/department to which this letter is directed:

Phone number:

Email address:

What class(es) of mine did you take? What semester/year?:

School/program/scholarship to which you are applying:

Why are you applying for this school/program/scholarship?:

Deadline for this letter:

Person (or office) to whom (which) the letter should be addressed:

Full mailing address:

What exactly is this letter for? (i.e.,scholarship, admission, internship):

Your major:

Future career aspirations:

Graduate school in your future? What program/what school?:

What volunteer work have you done that applies to why you’re asking for this letter?:

What are your extracurricular school-related activities?:

What are the personal characteristics that make you the best candidate for this university (or other place for which you need this letter)?:

What are your greatest strengths?:

What are your greatest weaknesses?:

What made you stand out in my class (not your grades, attendance, or looks)?:

What else should I know? (e.g., you are a first generation college student, you have overcome the odds to go to college):