Asking for Recommendations
If you would like me to write a recommendation for you, I would ask you to consider the following points (about which I think there is widespread agreement). I can usually write a strong recommendations for students who received an 'A' or 'A-' in my class. Often, depending on what qualities you would like me to comment on, I can write helpful recommendations for students who received lower grades. In any case, you should ask whether I can write you a strong recommendation for the position in question. In general, recommenders don't want to write letters that will not help your case; it's a good idea to give them an opportunity to decline.
If I agree to write on your behalf, you should provide me with the following materials:
If I agree to write on your behalf, you should provide me with the following materials:
- All necessary forms, stamped and addressed envelopes (if needed), clear written indication of deadlines (do not assume that I'll remember if you just tell me on some occasion).
- You are strongly advised to waive your rights to examine the recommendation. Admissions committees may well assume that I could be holding back if they know that you'll have access to my letter (whether or not this is true).
- Description of the position you seek, reason for seeking it, expectations for getting it, &c.
- What would you write about yourself: what do you consider your strengths and weaknesses to be? What do you think I should stress in the letter?
- Other supporting materials such as papers you wrote for me, a CV/resumé, transcript, &c.
- Anything else I should know. Don't assume that I know it (or remember it).
- Enough time; at two–three weeks is preferable, though depending on my schedule I can sometimes turn things around faster.
