For students
If you'd like me to write you a letter of recommendation, please read this page first — it will help me write you the strongest possible letter.
Will I write you a letter?
I am generally happy to write letters for students I know well — typically those who have taken more than one course with me, worked with me on a research project, or whom I have supervised or advised. The more I know about you and your work, the more specific and effective the letter will be.
If we don't know each other well, a letter from me may end up being generic and could do more harm than good. In that case, you're usually better served by asking someone who can speak to your abilities in detail. If you're unsure whether I'm the right person to ask, just email me and ask.
How to ask
Please ask at least three weeks before the earliest deadline. Writing a good letter takes time, and I am often writing several at once; less notice means a weaker letter, and I may have to decline.
Send me a single email with all of the following, so I have everything in one place:
After you've asked
Once I've agreed, please keep me posted. Send me a reminder about a week before each deadline, and let me know when a form has been sent to me so it doesn't get lost in my inbox. When you can, please waive your right to view the letter — confidential letters carry more weight with admissions and hiring committees.
Finally: let me know how it goes! I genuinely like hearing where my students end up.