I hope my former students are still reading this blog. This is probably most important for those who have already suffered through my class, although it is a good thought for the future for my new students. I wrote this a few years ago after spending my entire winter break writing letters of recommendation for students that I hadn’t laid eyes upon in two years. I hope you find it helpful.
A Note regarding Letters of Recommendation
For several years I have been spending a significant percentage of my time writing letters of recommendation for my students, current and former. I am happy to do so; my students work hard and I am happy to acknowledge their strengths, and I realize I wouldn’t be where I am without several busy people taking time to write letters for me, so I feel I obligated to do the same. Because I take the time to know my students, in most cases it is easy for me to write a letter expressing a personal view of the student. Occasionally, though, the circumstances present a real challenge. I do the best I can, but the best letters are those that reflect anecdotes and personal details that don’t come through on a transcript. The following is a list of my suggestions on how to get good, personal, and detailed letters of recommendation written for you, whether it is by me or another professor or professional contact.
– Let me get to know you. Simply showing up in class, doing well on exams, and writing good papers is not enough. Often I have “A” students that I barely know. All I can write is about is their performance on tests and papers, which is already conveyed to the Admissions Office/Employer in your transcript. This is even worse if the student doesn’t get an A. It is easy to let a professor get to know you: just go see them in office hours, suggest lunch or coffee, even chatting before and after class can be helpful. Some of my best letters have been written about a meaningful conversation I had with a student in office hours that had nothing to do with our course. You do not need an important question or topic to come see me.
– Class participation is only the first step. One way I can start to get to know you is through strong class participation. It is not the only way, and it isn’t enough, but it is a start.
– You don’t need an “A” to get a good letter. Some of my favorite students received average grades in my course. But because I got to know them outside of class, I could appreciate all their strengths, and write meaningful letters. I include this point so you don’t think all we care about is grades, and to reinforce how important it is to get to know your recommender.
– Provide ample notice. Give your recommender enough time. I suggest a month if possible. Writing letters isn’t our only job.
– Ask right after your class is over. I prefer to write letters while you are fresh in my mind. It allows me to recall anecdotes, rather than just look at my grade sheet to see how you did. The letter will still be good months later when you apply.
– Keep in touch. Even if I knew you well when you were in my class, if you come to me two years later, and I haven’t spoken to you since, it will be challenging to remember the type of personal details that make a good letter. Stop by office hours, meet me for coffee, send an email once in a while. I saw some intern extraordinaire on the Today Show the other day; she said she gets in touch at least three times a year with all her professional contacts. Think of your professors the same way.
– Let me know the results. Nothing is more frustrating than spending your free time writing letters of recommendation for a student, and never hearing back from them again. I want to know where you got in, and what your plans are. If I didn’t care, I wouldn’t write the letter. A simple email would suffice, although a visit is nice.
