Letters of Recommendation

You'd like a letter of recommendation from me. Here's what to do:
  1. When should I ask for a letter?

    Ask me for a letter at least two weeks before the deadline. Tell me about how many letters I should expect (e.g., 5-7 graduate schools, 2-3 summer internships). If you're reading this webpage, you've probably already done this step.

  2. What information should I send you?

    Send me one email that contains:

    • LIST: A complete list of the schools/programs you are applying to with their deadlines and in order of their deadlines.
    • HOW: Where do I send the letters? To an email adress? Uploaded on some webpage? Will the link be sent to me?
    • FORMS: Any relevant forms for specific schools/programs.
    • SMALL TALK: None. This email is not a forum for chit chat.

  3. How can I help Sarah write the best letter?

    In this same email, here are some other things you could include to help me help you:

    • CV: A copy of your resume or curriculum vitae. Please note - recently I've seen a lot of very long CVs. For graduate school, yours should be at most two pages long - one page is probably better.
    • TRANSCRIPT: An unofficial copy of your transcript; this is not for grades but so I can see the other courses that you have taken, particularly other STEM courses.
    • PROJECTS: A list of experiences you had in my classes (e.g. your wiki plate, your tectonics device, etc.) to help jog my memory.
    • SKILLS: Description of any special experiences or skills that might be relevant (internship, summer job, field experience, ability to drive a boat, awards, etc.).
    • WHY: How long have you liked this subject? Why? For example, what have been your favorite courses, and why? Convince me that you are excited about it, so that I can convince someone else.
    • WHAT: What kind of thing are you applying for? If it's for graduate school, what potential advisor(s) have you identified? What kinds of projects do you anticipate working on? If it's for an internship/summer job etc., why have you selected the particular program(s)?

  4. What happens next?

    5. I will send you an email once I send out letters. (I know that you might also get an autoresponse from the application system, but I like to send out my own email for my records.)