INTRODUCTION

Writing letters of reference or recommendation on behalf of students –for graduate schools, jobs, internships, programs, promotions– is part of my job, is always an honor, and usually is a pleasure because. Doing so gives me a chance to reflect on the rewards of being a teacher.  I would not be writing such letters if others had not done the same for me.  They “paid it forward,” and so I happily do the same: (for more, link to  Memoir of Mentorship.)  I write an average of a half-dozen letters per semester, sometimes for students who I haven’t heard from in a year or two, and who I had in only one class.

Most letters to graduate schools are now submitted online.  Typically, each school sends me a secure link that usually consists of an electronic form to fill out and an option to upload a letter on letterhead.  Letters for job applications is less common and more variable. More often, they want to contact me by phone for an interview.

SEND TO ME

Writing a letter for a specific student for a specific program/job/position usually takes considerable time: (1) about an hour to review transcripts, a CV, a personal statement, and correspondence, (2) about two hours to compose an review a template letter, typically two pages single spaced on letterhead, and (3) about a half hour to customize that template for each school/similar position and navigate their software.
Generally speaking, here’s what I need from you, preferably in one package as files attached to an email:
  • APPLICATION FACTS:  What specific program/job/position are you applying to?  Saying you need a reference for this company, or are seeking a masters degree at some university is not enough. For my letter I need to know the specific name of the department, school, program, potential advisor, degree and/or job position.   I need to know the deadlines, so make a clear list starting with the due date.
  • YOUR PERSONAL STATEMENT TO ME:  Using these three headings, write a paragraph or two for each.  I assume that I can quote what you write.
    • Our History:  Provide paragraph or so, reminding me when we first met, what courses we had together and when, what grades you got, and the title/brief description of any special project you turned in.  Quoting comments I made on such projects is especially helpful, but not necessary.
    • Your Goals:  A statement of your current  GENERAL, long-term goals (i.e. a career in….), followed by a statement of how the SPECIFIC, short-term goal of a successful application (for graduate school, job, internship, etc.) will help meet your long term goal. In short, why is this application a logical step in your life plan?
    • Differentiate  Specific Application:  If you are applying for more than one program, please explain why each program is the “right” program for you at this stage. Why are you applying there?  Is it the place, the school, or the advisor? You will likely need different statements for different programs.
  • YOUR RESUME OR CV: Make one if you don’t have a good one. The details don’t matter. I particularly need to know your specific skills and job/grant/meeting/internship/lab/field experience.
  • YOUR UNOFFICIAL TRANSCRIPT: Provide an unofficial transcript. I’m only interested in placing the grades you received from me in the larger context. I will generalize to the extent possible.

YOUR MONITORING RESPONSIBILITY

You are responsible for keeping track of all hard deadlines. I will notify you when I have sent the reference.  If we are withint two days of a deadline, feel free to remind me.

OPTIONAL WAIVERS:

  • FERPA: The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974.  This act prevents me from using/releasing information about grades or GPA without your written consent per UCONN FERPA Rules. So, If you want me to be specific about grades, please complete the release form http://ferpa.uconn.edu/forms/  Otherwise skip this step, and will generalize.
  • FOI .  Freedom of Information Act.  On most applications you have the option to waive the right to see my letter. This is usually a good idea, especially if you think the letter will be supportive, rather than merely an obligatory hurdle to overcome.  If you waive the right, the recipient (employer/school) will know that I am being candid. If you do not, they will read my remarks as being more guarded.

Good luck!