Letters of Reference
It doesn't make sense to ask a professor who doesn't know you very well to
write you a reference. In general I am happy to write references for students
who have worked in the lab. with me, or who I have gotten to know well during at
least one, but preferably several, classes over a period of time. It is very
difficult to write comprehensive, complimentary letters for students who I have
never had the opportunity to meet. Please consider how well I know you, and what
I know about you, before you ask me to write a reference.
If you still want me to write a reference for you , please remember that I
write a lot of them and they come in waves. When I am writing yours, it will
likely be one of a dozen or more. Please help me out by:
- asking me at least a couple of weeks before the deadline and don't
ask for more than 5 letters of recommendation at a time.
- please send me by e-mail a (1) check-off list of the places you are
applying to, (2) the earliest deadline (I do all references in one go) and (3)
fill in the relevant information on the top of the form. If you can't save the
information on the form, you will need to supply me with it so I can - I don't
known your applicant number and course unless you tell me.
- placing an addressed (and stamped if you want me to mail it) envelope for
each reference in a large envelope in my mailbox in 204 BSB. I will only
return completed references in sealed envelopes.
- I will reply to your e-mail, telling you that your references are ready
for pick-up from my mailbox, when they are completed. If you haven't heard
from me 3-4 days before the deadline please send me a reminder e-mail.
Last updated by HJ:
11/12/2008
