Letters of Recommendation Policy

I am happy to write letters of recommendation for (a) students who have worked conscientiously on research projects in my lab for at least two semesters, and/or (b) students who received a good grade in at least one of my classes. In order to write a strong letter, I should know you reasonably well. The more time you have spent with me doing research, and the more successfully you have performed in my classes, the likelier I will support you with a letter and the stronger your letter will be.

• I will write letters only for students who waive their rights to read their letter. If you do not wish to do so, then please do not ask me to write a letter for you.
• Make your initial request to me at least a month before the deadline.
• Get your materials (see below) to me as soon as you are able, at least two to three weeks before the deadline.

Every year I have many students who make requests for letters of recommendation. Consequently, you must do as much as you can to make my job as easy as possible. If I am mailing the letters myself, give me stamped and addressed envelopes. Give me spreadsheets, deadlines, websites, etc. Even if it requires more work from you, if there is something that will make my job easier, you should do it.

In order to get as complete a sense of you as I can so that I can write a strong letter, in addition to basic materials (e.g., the letter waiver form, envelopes, etc.), it is important that I get as many of the below from you as I can:

1. A clear indication of what you need the letter for (e.g., study abroad at the University of Florence, an internship program with the United Nations, an M.S.W. program at Washington State University, etc.). The more information I have about the program, the more easily I can tailor the letter to your needs.
2. Statement of purpose (or an autobiographical statement, essay, etc.).
3. An unofficial Bates transcript.
4. Your resume or vita (i.e., academic resume).
5. A copy of any of your best papers that you may have written in any of my classes that I evaluated.

It is your responsibility to check with the school / program to make sure that your letters of recommendation have been received. If you choose to send me a reminder notice, do it only once, and do it close to the deadline. Typically, I complete my letters of recommendation close to the deadline. Keep me informed of your application process. If I am writing you a letter of recommendation, then I am interested in knowing how it all turned out, even if your application didn’t have the results you are looking for.