Letter of Recommendations Policy
Who do I write letters of recommendation for?
Most letters I write are for people who have worked with me in my lab. I do occasionally write letters for exceptional students I have had in classes, particularly in seminars. However, these letters are often weaker and less detailed than the letters for students who have worked in my lab. This is because I tend to know you less well and can speak less to skills that graduate programs are interested in knowing about. I highly recommend you first think about whether I would be the best letter writer for you. I will also be honest if I cannot write you’re a strong letter, since I want you succeed!
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What do you need to do to ask if I will write a recommendation letter?
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Please ask nicely via email and give me advanced notice. Ideally, please ask at least a month before the due date. Please also ensure you provide the following information at least two weeks before the due date. If I am not given advance notice, I may not be able to write the letter, especially if I have never written a letter for you before. Information on timeline & how to submit letter (make sure to waive your rights to view it)
Please ask nicely via email and give me advanced notice. Ideally, please ask at least a month before the due date. Please also ensure you provide the following information at least two weeks before the due date. If I am not given advance notice, I may not be able to write the letter, especially if I have never written a letter for you before. Information on timeline & how to submit letter (make sure to waive your rights to view it)
- Academic CV/resume
- A short summary of the work you did with me. This can include short descriptions of research projects you worked on, your duties on those projects, and/or important assignments that you completed as part of classes you took with me
- Any relevant essays (e.g., statement of purpose) or prompts where you articulate why you want the position you are applying for.
- Anything you want me to emphasize or make sure I cover in my letter
