In one form or another, we all give and take feedback from everyone around us. We form our impressions of others, and our reputation gradually develops. Recommendation letters are the formal version of such feedback mechanism.
I would like to support my students where possible. However, …
1 .Should you ask me for a letter of recommendation or should I be on your referee list? #
Strongest recommendation letters for you would be penned by faculty who know you well and can speak to your abilities above and beyond the standard coursework. For most applications (e.g. grad school), the ideal referee is a research advisor whom you worked with closely (e.g. for at least 1 year). A second tier of letters are from instructors of courses where you excelled (e.g. scored high, or completed a project or had deep technical discussions).
Please understand that if I have not had a chance to see you shine, then I may not be the best possible referee for you. And a generic letter I could write may not serve your purposes or may not be in your best interest. You may want to consult with me in person for further advice.
2. How to ask for a letter of recommendation from me? #
If you think I am a good referee for your application:
Please provide the following information for me in an e-mail:
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A reminder of how I know you:
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Your current/graduation CGPA
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All the courses you took with me and your grades.
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Any projects you completed with me, and the outcome.
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Specific achievements that I am uniquely qualified to highlight in your application.
- For example: class projects that you are proud of, discussions during office hours, achievements or obstacles that may not be clear in the rest of your application.
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The evaluation criteria for your application. (not necessary for standard graduate school applications.)
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A draft of your application materials including your CV and any personal/research statements.
I’d like to understand what you’re applying for and how I can best support you in a letter.
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Email me to schedule an appointment to discuss your application(s).
Purpose here is to help you explain to me how I can best support your application.
3. If you are to ask me for a letter of recommendation: #
I would like to support my students where possible. However, …
Understand that due to busy schedule, I am not always be available or able to respond your emails. And once if I cannot answer your email within the couple days it was sent, I may never have a chance to get a back to it. So, do not hesitate to write several times until you get a response, for better or worse.
Timing: Tell me at least 4 weeks before due date.
Remind me! I have a busy schedule and I am not annoyed if you are reminding me about a letter that I promised you.
Dr. Philip Tanedo once suggested a good rule of thumb is to remind every half-life before the due date.
Half-life rule: If you last reminded me about your letter some time t before due date, remind me again when it is t/2 before the due date.
If you have multiple applications:
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Ahead of the time, provide me with the complete list of applications that require a separate letter and due dates.
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Most applications are through an online system that automatically sends your referees an e-mail with instructions.
- Please try to arrange all of these e-mails to be sent at the same time so they appear in one chunk in my email box.
