Letters of reference
At some point in your career here (or later) you are going to need letters of reference from faculty members.
•Think carefully about whom to ask to write for you. Not all writers are equally persuasive.
•You must give your writers lots of lead-time.
•If you have done research, you must ask your research mentor to write.
•Generally, writers who only know you from your classwork are less able to write compellingly on your behalf.
•Good letters are enthusiastic AND specific. The more specific, the better. Thus, you will have to provide your writers with a CV, a transcript, and any other written material you can muster—including a short description in layman’s language of what you have accomplished in research.
•After the writers have read your material ask them if they have any questions and whether they think they will be able to write a strong letter on your behalf. (If the answer to the latter is “no,” politely thank them and find alternates.)
•Often letters are sent electronically, but if hard copy letters are required supply your writers with addressed and stamped envelopes. If there are forms make sure your parts are completely filled in.
•Your writers will appreciate a thank you email note and follow-up on what success the letters might have contributed to.