MATTHEW H. SLATER
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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:
  • 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.
    ​
After the fact: I'd like to know what comes of the application in question! 
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  • Home
  • Teaching
    • Current and Future Courses >
      • PHIL 103: Logic
    • Previous Courses >
      • RESC 098: Revolutions in Scientific Understanding
      • PHIL 100: Philosophy in Film
      • PHIL 100: Belief & Reality
      • UNIV 200: Climate Change
      • PHIL 201: Symbolic Logic
      • PHIL 220: Philosophy of Science
      • PHIL 222: Analytic Philosophy
      • PHIL 224: Epistemology
      • PHIL 268: Science in the Public Eye
      • PHIL 272: Philosophy of Biology
      • PHIL 311: Socializing Epistemology
    • Student Resources >
      • Writing Resources
      • Presentation Advice
      • Recommendations
    • Calendar
  • Research
    • Books >
      • Are Species Real?
      • The Nature of Biological Kinds
    • Published & Forthcoming
    • Current Projects
    • The Production of Public Understanding of Science
  • Personal
  • Photography
  • Blog