ÁùÉ«Íø

Your letters of recommendation say a lot about you. By taking the time to meet with your professors outside of class and build genuine connections, you can significantly enhance the strength and depth of your recommendations.

What many students don’t realize is that if you only interact with your professor in class, and they did not get a chance to know you, it’s hard for them to write a truly strong letter. In that case, the letter may only mention your grades or class standing. But the best letters go further—they talk about who you are as a person: your determination, communication skills, teamwork, problem-solving skills, and even your career goals.

Therefore, a little effort now can go a long way in making your recommendation letters stand out.

To write an effective letter of recommendation for you, I need about 3 weeks’ notice. Additionally, please include in an email the following:

• your current curriculum vitae (CV) or resumé,
• your statement of purpose, personal statement, or similar (draft is OK),
• your preferred pronouns, and
• answers to the questions below:

1. Why are you excited by and interested in these programs? Are there particular aspects of the program that you are most interested in? If you are applying to very different kinds of programs, please answer for each kind.
   
   
2. How do these programs / experiences fit into your short and long-term goals?
   
   
3. Why do you think you'd be a good fit for these programs / experiences?
   
   
4. Are there particular experiences, achievements (academic, professional), and/or qualifications that you want me to highlight? These could include previous research experience, job experience (could be directly relevant to your applications or show characteristics that are important, such as responsibility), involvement and/or leadership roles in college life or outside of the Colleges, in your communities (e.g., committees, volunteering, organizing, clubs, political initiatives, conferences, etc.).
   
   
5. Add any additional information that you think is particularly relevant for your letter, or anything else you’d like me to know, that isn’t yet included in the questions above.