Letters of Recommendation

I'm happy to write recommendation letters on behalf of former students, research assistants, or advisees.  But, before you ask, please think carefully about whether there are other instructors or mentors better positioned to write you a stronger or more appropriate letter. If I feel I cannot write you a strong recommendation letter, I will let you know.

If you'd like me to write you a letter, please let me know at least four weeks in advance.

Please also send to me one email with the following (and please include any attachments as PDFs):

  1. Your CV (or resume)
  2. An explanation of what you are applying for, why you want to do it, and what you hope to get out of the experience
  3. A confidential bullet-pointed memo that includes standard CV items (e.g., GPA, prizes), and also (1) explains how we know one another, (2) highlights using concrete examples why you are a strong candidate, (3) gives anecdotes about your professional and/or academic experience, (4) explains possible weaknesses in your record. Please include in this memo anything you think I should know about you -- e.g., whether you come from an interesting or diverse background, or have a particular skill set or interest. Please do not be modest. I will treat this memo in confidence and destroy it after I am finished.
  4. A list of your other recommenders (if available), which I will also treat in confidence
  5. Instructions on where to send the letter 
  6. Whether you waived your right to see the letter.  I would encourage you to waive the right to see the letter, as it makes the job of writing the letter much easier.