I am happy to write letters of recommendation or serve as a reference for my past students. If you are
looking to have me (or any other professor) write a letter for you, it is helpful to keep the following
in mind.
- Plan ahead. It will take at least two weeks to write a letter, so plan ahead.
- You should be more than a name. A recommendation letter has the most effect when I can
include personalized information. Participating in class and coming to office hours help establish this
rapport. Use this time to let me know that you will eventually like me to write a letter for you so I
can plan ahead as well.
In addition, I have a number of requests of you.
- Let me know plenty ahead of time that you will be asking for a letter, even if you have not prepared
your application yet.
- Once you have prepared your application, you will need to send all the accompanying letter-writer
information.
- I will want to talk to you in person about your application.
- You may need to explain to me what the letter reviewers will be especially looking for in a
candidate.
- Provide a resume/CV and a transcript (unofficial is fine).
- Also send me a brief paragraph of the important points you want to make sure I include in a
letter---things that you think are important to your case.
- As the letter writing deadline approaches, you will need to send me reminders (2 wks, 1 wk, 4 days,
2 days, 1 day) up until I write to you to tell you I have submitted the letter.
Good luck! And write back to let me know if you get the position!
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Queens College – Mathematics Department.
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