Letters of Recommendation: Frequently Asked Questions
Ummm, will you write me a letter?
Generally, I only write letters of recommendation for students who have taken at least two classes with me. This gives me a depth of knowledge about you with which I can honestly – and quite specifically – sing your praises. In any case, please ask first, don't just assume I'll write a letter.
Can you write me a letter for medical school/cashier at Wegman’s/circus school?
I’ve recommended students for graduate school, law school, medical school, divinity school, internships, study abroad programs and all sorts of jobs. But make sure I'm the best person for what you're applying for -- for example, the admissions committee for a graduate chemistry program is unlikely to care what I have to say about you.
I’m applying for twelve jobs and eighteen graduate schools. Will you write me thirty letters?
No. If you need only one or two letters, I’m happy to personalize those and send them off to different places. More than two and you must set up a credentials file at Career Services.
Then I write one general letter (or even two – e.g. one for jobs, one for law school) and Career Services can send out as many copies as you request.
How far should I ask you in advance?
Please give me at least four weeks’ notice.
What do you need from me?
1. a description of what you’re applying for. Give me a copy of the job ad you’re responding to, a description of the degree program you want to get into, criteria for the scholarship, etc.
2. any relevant forms. Graduate and professional schools often have their own forms – be sure to fill out your portion of these forms.
3. waive your rights to see the letter. I’m not being sneaky – employers and graduate schools simply put more trust into confidential letters. On either the Geneseo Career Services form or the form for your particular application, check the correct box and SIGN THE FORM.
4. supporting materials. The more you can give me, the better the letter will be.
- an up-to-date resume
- a copy of your transcript (unofficial is fine)
- a copy of whatever personal statement you've had to write for these applications
- papers and exams from the courses you took with me, preferably with my comments on them (if you don't have those, papers without comments are better than nothing)
Finally: assign me a due date. And be prepared to write regular emails to nag me to make sure it's done. Really. Drop all this stuff off in my box in Welles 226 or stop by my office hours.
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