Many students ask me to write letters of recommendation for graduate school, internships, jobs, and scholarship opportunities. I am happy to write letters for excellent students--please don't be shy about asking!

But before you request a letter, think about whether I will be a good letter writer for you. Ask yourself the following questions:

1. Do I know you well? A strong recommendation letter will have vivid details that show what an excellent student you are. Many applications will ask specific questions about your critical thinking, leadership, problem solving, time management, and/or communication skills. Have I had an opportunity to observe these abilities? If I don't know you well enough to speak to these questions (or if our only interaction was in a large lecture class), you may want to consider asking another faculty member who can write about these skills in more detail.

2. Have you completed at least one course with me and earned a grade of "B" or higher? If you are currently enrolled in your first course with me, I may not have enough evidence of your academic skills yet to write a strong, detailed letter.

3. Is the letter due at least three weeks from now? Remember that strong letters require time and attention.  

If you answered "Yes" to all of these questions, click "Next" to complete the request form. The form will ask for more information about you, the opportunity that you are applying for, and the letter submission process.