It is my pleasure to write letters of recommendation for students who have volunteered in my lab, conducted independent research with me, have earned an A or B in at least one of my courses, or have spent a substantial amount of time with me in another capacity (e.g. study abroad). Please do keep in mind that you want the strongest letters possible when applying to graduate school; therefore, you should ask yourself whether I know you well enough to write a strong letter.
|
Note to Academic Advisees: If academic advising is the only context in which I have come to know you, I will not write a recommendation letter or provide a job reference for you. If I have not had you in class or gotten to know you well in another capacity, all I can comment on is whether you showed up to your appointment each semester and how prepared you were for the meeting. A letter like this would not help your graduate school or job candidacy, and in most instances would actually hurt your chances.
|
Students who believe I can write them a strong letter of recommendation should contact me by e-mail or see me in person at least six weeks prior to your first application deadline. If I agree to write a recommendation letter, please adhere to the following instructions to ensure that I am able to complete and submit your letters before the application deadline.
|
1) Fill-out and submit this applicant information form no later than 4 weeks prior to your first
|
Question:
Answer:
|
Why are you so demanding when it comes to writing letters of recommendation?
If I agree to write a letter of recommendation for you it means you have earned it. I am certain that you have worked hard to give yourself the best shot at realizing your career goals and I am committed to supporting you in your endevours. However, I am fortunate to teach, mentor, and supervise a number of excellent UD students every year, and that means that I typically write recommendation letters for 8-14 students a year, who, on average, apply to 8-12 programs (which mean in any given year I upload and submit 90-120 separate letters of recommendation). I am busy and human, and so I am asking what I need from you to make sure I can write a letter that fully reflects your accomplishments and to ensure that I submit all your letters by the deadline.
|
Question:
Answer:
|
I submitted my materials to you MONTHS ago! Why have you not submitted my recommendation letter yet?
I understand that many students are anxious to get all of their application materials submitted as early as possible. Unfortunately, while you may wish for me to submit your letters months before your application deadline, I am likely working to meet many deadlines prior to yours. I hope you can understand that I am committed to meeting deadlines, but that means I may need to prioritize other things over your letters until your application due date approaches. |
Question:
|
I submitted my materials MONTHS ago and my first deadline is in four weeks. Can I send a reminder e-mail because I want my letters to go in this week?
Please don't. The reason my letter of recommendation request process is so structured is so I don't forget and miss a due date. I assure you, your first deadline is already in my Google calendar with a reminder alert two weeks and one week before the due date. Students often fear that there is some advantage to submitting a complete graduate school application months before the deadline. With the exception of programs with rolling admissions, this is not true. If you are applying to a program with rolling admissions please specify that in the materials you send me and I will get your letter submitted within 4 weeks after I receive your materials.
|
Question:
Answer: |
My first deadline is tomorrow and I am feeling anxious because my letters are not yet submitted. Can I send a reminder e-mail?
Yes!! If I have not submitted your letter 24 hours prior to the deadline I have likely already been in touch to assure you that I have not forgotten, to let you know exactly when they will be submitted, and to give you explicit permission to bug me if I fall even a minute behind on that plan. Not to fear, this generally means your letters are written but I want to review them with fresh eyes before submitting. That said, if you have not heard from me and your deadline is within 24 hours please do shoot me a reminder e-mail.
|