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Letters of Recommendation

Choosing professors to write letters of recommendation on your behalf is an important decision that you must make as part of your application process, no matter what plans you may have. At the same time, professors who write letters of recommendation for students to attend graduate or professional school are placing their reputations on the line about the quality and character of the student they are recommending to that program.

Nevertheless, each year, students run around, often times at the last moment, seeking out professors to write letters on their behalf. Professors are often inundated with dozens of requests. To ease some of the stress during application periods for both students and myself, I have developed the following Q & A with regard to writing letters of recommendation.

 

Q & A for Letters of Recommendation

Of course, if you believe special circumstances exist, then you should make an appointment to talk with me about writing a letter for you.

Will I write a letter of recommendation for you?

Possibly. Here are the types of letters and the general conditions under which I will write a letter of recommendation for you. If you meet these conditions, you should make an appointment to speak with me about writing a letter for you. Note: Special circumstances, such as you having served as a teaching assistant or a research assistant, will alter these considerations.

 

Ph.D. Program
You should have had at least two courses with me. One of those courses must have been a 400 level seminar course (taught exclusively by me, not co-taught) in which you received a grade of A- or higher. For the other courses, no grade that you received from me for 300 or 400 level courses should be lower than an A-.
Professional School (Law School, Etc.)
You should have had at least two courses with me. One of those courses must have been a 400 level seminar course (taught exclusively by me, not co-taught) in which you received a grade of A- or higher. For the other courses, no grade that you received from me for 300 or 400 level courses should be lower than a B+.
MA Program
You should have had at least two courses with me, with at least one at the 300 level or higher. The grades you earned in these courses should be no lower than a B.
Job Recommendation
You should have had at least two courses with me, with at least one of them above the 100 level. Your grades for all courses taken with me should not be lower than a B.
Internships You should have completed at least one course above the 100 level with me, earning a grade of B or higher.
Study abroad application
You should have completed at least one course above the 100 level with me, earning a grade of B or higher.

 

How much time do you need to write a letter for me?

 

Ph.D. Program
Minimum 3 Weeks
Professional School (Law School, Etc.)
Minimum 3 Weeks
MA Program
Minimum 3 Weeks
Job Recommendation
Minimum 2 Weeks
Internships
Minimum 2 Weeks
Study abroad application
Minimum 2 Weeks

 

What do you need from me to write the letter?

A few things will assist me in writing the best letter that I can for you.

 

*
 A current resume or vita
*
 A list of your extracurricular activities
*
 A list of the courses you took with me and your grades
*
For graduate/professional schools: (1) a list of schools to which you are applying, (2) your proposed area of study, (3) copy of your personal statement if it is written.
*
 A writing sample
*
 Stamped addressed envelope(s)
*
Copies of the appropriate processing forms with my information completed in the appropriate sections

 

These should be placed into a large envelope with your name and a due date listed on the outside of the envelope.