Letters of Recommendation

I am generally happy to write for current and former students and research assistants applying to graduate programs, fellowships, internships, and other opportunities.

Before You Ask

The strength and scope of my letter depend on how well I know your work. What I can say depends on how long and in what capacity we have worked together, and what I have seen you do. If I know you from one course, I may be able to describe your academic work in detail and have less evidence of your independent research.

Choose recommenders whose letters can complement one another across coursework, research, and professional experience. I am happy to discuss what I could add and who might speak in more detail about a particular part of your work. The choice is yours.

Making a Request

Email me at least four weeks before your first letter deadline whenever possible. Tell me what you are applying for, how we know each other, and when the first letter is due. Earlier notice helps, especially during busy periods and university breaks. We can discuss the request by email and meet if helpful.
Wait for my agreement before listing me as a recommender or sending automated invitations.
Send the complete packet once I agree in principle. I will confirm what turnaround I can accommodate after reviewing it.

Materials to Send

Please send these materials together, ideally in one organized folder. For each Google template below, choose File → Make a copy and fill in your own copy.

Current CV or résumé.
Unofficial academic transcript.
Statement of purpose, personal statement, or equivalent. A developed draft is fine.
Complete program list and recommendation tracker. For each institution and program, include the letter deadline and time zone, submission method and links, special instructions, and invitation and submission status. Open the tracker template (Google Sheets).
One-page recommendation cheat sheet. Explain how we know each other, give two or three verifiable examples I can speak to, and say what you hope my letter will add. Focus on facts and examples. I will write and assess the letter independently. Open the cheat sheet template (Google Docs).
Writing or research samples, where relevant. Course papers, policy memos, research reports, or work from a shared project can help, especially for research-oriented applications.

For PhD applications, show how you shaped a research question, made analytical decisions, interpreted evidence, or worked independently. If you worked with me as an RA, indicate which tasks were assigned and which contributions you initiated or developed yourself.

Multiple Applications and Submission Methods

You may request letters for any number of programs. Please keep them all in one current tracker.

For many applications, I strongly prefer a confidential service such as Interfolio Dossier that lets me upload a letter once for delivery to multiple programs. Use it where the receiving program accepts it, and handle any service fees and delivery arrangements.

Some programs require direct submission, a custom evaluation, or additional questions. I can follow their process if we have agreed on the request. Flag substantially different opportunities early so I can tailor the emphasis where needed.

Deadlines, Reminders, and Follow-up

Keep the tracker current, send invitations after we agree, and check that each letter has been received.
Send a brief reminder about one week before the letter deadline if a direct submission is still outstanding.
Tell me promptly about added programs, changed deadlines, or unusual requirements. Combine reminders and updates when possible.

I normally submit confidential letters directly to the institution or through an authorized service. The finished letter is for the recipient's review.

I always appreciate hearing how your applications turn out. Best of luck!