Letters of Recommendation

I'm generally happy to write letters of recommendation for students applying to graduate programs, internships, or jobs with one condition:

• You took a class or were in a lab with me where we actually interacted regularly. If most of your interaction was with a GSI (TA) then you might want to ask the GSI to write the letter and I can co-sign it. In any case, this should be encouragement to all students to be noticed in class. Raise your hand, ask questions, stay after class, visit the prof during office hours, show your enthusiasm. Otherwise it can be hard for us to write about you except in the most abstract ways.

As you get ready to write to me (or really any professor), you should have the following things ready:

• Your CV or resume
• Your application essay (or draft essay) so we know what you want to do — and/or a description of the position and what they are looking for
• If you did a project with me, talk about the project and how we interacted
• If you want me to emphasize particular things in your letter, give me some bullet points

Deadlines and Reminders
Give me a month or so in advance notice. Remind me a week before it is due and check at least 2-3 days before it is due to make sure I have submitted.