Before asking for my letter I request that you commit to follow all guidelines and requirements for your program as your participation reflects more broadly on me and Amherst College.
If we have met and agreed that I will write a recommendation for you, I want to write the strongest recommendation letter I possibly can. In order to do so, please email me the following at least two weeks (and ideally four+ weeks) before the first letter is due:
What is your name, year, and major?
For what are you applying and what is the earliest deadline? (scholarship, internship, graduate school, etc.)
If applying to multiple programs, list the programs to which you are applying, together with due dates and how recommendations will be submitted (many programs automatically generate an email with a link for submission, but others might require me to send an email by the deadline).
How long have I known you, and what is (are) my relationship(s) to you? (instructor, advisor, etc.)
For what class(es) have I had you, what final grade(s) did I assign you, and how did you distinguish yourself in my class(es)?
Please choose four adjectives you think describe you well.
What are some of your academic accomplishments?
What are some of your nonacademic accomplishments (if any)?
What makes me particularly qualified to write a letter for you?
What makes you particularly qualified for this position/honor/award?
What are your long term goals and, if relevant, how does this position/honor/award fit in?
Additional comments (REU’s, summer research, interesting jobs, hobbies, etc.)?
Please be sure to send me email reminders as deadlines approach, and feel free to chat with me about other ways you can make the letter writing process go as smoothly as possible for you and your letter writers. Good luck!