Letters of Recommendation

I write each recommendation individually, so please request a letter for each different program. I prefer to submit the letters directly (not through the student). I don't typically write letters of recommendation for students that I only had once in a large lecture class because my letter cannot be strong (substantiated with evidence, and therefore useful and convincing). A thesis advisor or someone who worked with you more is usually a better option. Do you have any other options? Also, what specific programs are you applying to—is my background specifically aligned better than other professors?

After I agree that I am a good fit and able to write you a strong letter, then to help me write an impactful and relevant letter by please including the following documents in a single email:

  1. Deadline of the recommendation

  2. School/program/position description or webpage

  3. Statement of purpose or application essay, or if none, a brief description of why you're applying

  4. Who else is writing letters for this opportunity

  5. If you took a class or wrote a thesis with me, please mention the date, class, your grade, and something that distinguished you from other students. How did your effort or performance show excellence? What did this interaction or class mean to you or change in your trajectory?

  6. If you were a research assistant, please mention the dates and projects and your duties. Also explain what skills you developed and why the experience was useful (hope it was, but be honest).

  7. Unofficial transcript (optional)

  8. CV or resume (optional)