Requesting a Letter of Recommendation from Me

I take letter writing seriously, and I only write for students who approach requests for letters with an equal sense of professionalism and care. Keep in mind that when I write a letter for you, to some degree I am putting my reputation on the line. These letters are often read by colleagues of mine at other universities — people I will write to again, and with whom I will have other professional interactions in the future. Consequently, I need to be reliable in my assessments of students, and stand behind the individuals I endorse.

Strong letters typically come from close working relationships with faculty. I will usually only write for students that meet at least one of the following criteria:

• • took at least one course with me and excelled;
• • worked with me on a mathematics project (e.g., research or an independent study); or
• • had some other close, professional interaction relevant to your application.

A good letter takes a a great deal of time and effort to write. Therefore, you should approach me as soon as possible with your request — at least three weeks before the letter is due. You should also provide me with as much information as you can to help me write a good letter for you.

If I agree to write on your behalf, I ask that you give me a final version (not a rough draft) of any essays or statements you are planning to submit with your application. The qualifications for graduate schools or REUs tend to be fairly similar, and I know what they are looking for. However, if you are applying to a specialized program or for a particular scholarship or fellowship, it is best if you give me a details of the program or award together with a description of what criteria they use to judge applications. (These criteria are typically stated somewhere on their website, advertisement, or application.) Finally, it is also useful for me if you provide me with a copy of your resume or CV.

If you wish to request a letter of recommendation from me, the best way to do so is in person so that we can discuss the matter face-to-face.

Undergraduates that wish to learn more about the purpose and etiquette of letters of recommendation can read the Guidelines for Requesting Letters of Recommendation available on my list of Resources for Math Majors.