Important information for requesting letters of recommendation
I take writing letters of recommendation very seriously. If I agree to write you a letter, I am committing time and effort to write a letter that will be as helpful as possible to your candidacy. I ask for a number of things from you—detailed below—to make this process as smooth as possible and so that I can best highlight your strengths in the letter. (Every professor's preferences may be different. It's always respectful to ask each individual what they prefer and what you can do to make it easier.)
1. Requesting a letter of recommendation. In your original query regarding if I can write for you, please be sure to include (1) what the letter is for and (2) when the letter is due. In general it is best to ask me at least 3 weeks before the letter is due.
2. Waiving your right to see the letter. I require that you waive your right to see the letter. One reason for this is that schools and employers tend to take letters of recommendation more seriously if they know that the student has not seen them. That being said I won't agree to write you a letter unless I feel I can write you a positive letter.
3. Supporting material. Please provide me with the following materials, together in one packet (or email), in order to assist me in writing the best letter possible:
4. Reminders. Once I have agreed to write you a letter and you have provided me with the supporting materials, I ask you to send me email reminders of upcoming due dates for letters once a week until the week it's due, then once a day. Don't worry about seeming rude—this is very helpful to me. Use the subject line to remind me how much time I have left: e.g. "Letter of Rec to Brown due in 2 weeks". I may not reply to these emails, but I appreciate them. When I send your letter I will send you an email so you know it's on its way.
Finally, please don't forget to tell me how things turn out-- I always appreciate hearing whether you were accepted and what you are doing!
*Inspired by Naomi Marmorstien's "Important information for requesting letters of recommendation".
1. Requesting a letter of recommendation. In your original query regarding if I can write for you, please be sure to include (1) what the letter is for and (2) when the letter is due. In general it is best to ask me at least 3 weeks before the letter is due.
2. Waiving your right to see the letter. I require that you waive your right to see the letter. One reason for this is that schools and employers tend to take letters of recommendation more seriously if they know that the student has not seen them. That being said I won't agree to write you a letter unless I feel I can write you a positive letter.
3. Supporting material. Please provide me with the following materials, together in one packet (or email), in order to assist me in writing the best letter possible:
- a list of classes you've taken with me along with the grades you earned in each class and, if possible, copies of the papers you wrote for me
- a list of research activities or other outside activities with me
- an unofficial copy of your transcript
- your CV or resume
- a draft of your personal statement or cover letter for each position or school
- if you are applying for multiple things provide me with information about the programs and how each fits into your goals so that I can tailor the letters appropriately
- a clear indication of when each letter is due
- the form(s) in hard copy (along with your right to see the letter waived)
- pre-addressed, stamped envelopes for each recommendation
4. Reminders. Once I have agreed to write you a letter and you have provided me with the supporting materials, I ask you to send me email reminders of upcoming due dates for letters once a week until the week it's due, then once a day. Don't worry about seeming rude—this is very helpful to me. Use the subject line to remind me how much time I have left: e.g. "Letter of Rec to Brown due in 2 weeks". I may not reply to these emails, but I appreciate them. When I send your letter I will send you an email so you know it's on its way.
Finally, please don't forget to tell me how things turn out-- I always appreciate hearing whether you were accepted and what you are doing!
*Inspired by Naomi Marmorstien's "Important information for requesting letters of recommendation".
