Letter of Recommendation

Are you applying for a job, a scholarship, a graduate program or something else that requires a letter of recommendation and you like to ask me for a letter?

First, I want to emphasize that I take writing letters of recommendation very seriously. I like to write a letter that is beneficial for your case, i.e., comment on your outstanding research capabilities. This means that I might refuse your request if I think I am not able to write a strong letter for you.

Secondly, writing a letter takes time. So please make sure you ask me well in advance before you need the letter. This typically means a few weeks or more.

How to request a letter

Follow the following steps if you like me to write a letter of recommendation. Please read carefully what you need to do for each case.

1. You have worked with me on a research project.

In this case, we were closely collaborating on a project. This could mean you were my graduate student, worked on a undergraduate thesis or directed studies with em, or you were doing some summer research internship with me.

I'd be happy to write you a letter as you were working with me on a project. I will be able to comment on your contributions to the project, your technical skills, what challenges you were facing and how you solved them. In short, this should result in a strong letter.

Please reach out to me about one month in advance.

2. Have you taken one of my classes?

In this case, the only interactions we had was during the class. Please note that I will only be able to comment on your performance in class, including your grade, class size, class average and your relative performance. This won't be a strong letter supporting your case! Now, before you reach out to me, please answer the following questions:

When is the deadline? If you need your letter within less than two week. I'm sorry, I won't be able to help you, please ask someone else. If you need in in two or more weeks, then proceed to the next question.

Why am I one of the 3-5 persons you ask for a letter of recommendation? Think about this question carefully. If you can't come up with a good reason, please consider asking someone else. If you have a good reason, then please send me an e-mail including:

• What is your reason why you ask me for a letter of recommendation?
• What is the purpose of the letter? Are you applying to grad school, a scholarship, ...?
• Which of my classes did you take, when was this, and what were your grades?

What's next? After you've sent me this e-mail, you can expect a response either accepting or declining your request. Emphasizing here that even if I may write you a letter, it may not be a strong letter for the reasons outlined above. If you still want me to write you a letter and I agree, then proceed to part 3.

3. None of the above.

If you haven't taken my class, nor have worked with me on a research project, then I'm sorry I won't be able to provide you with a letter. I would not know what to write about, I would not be able to comment on your skills and abilities. So, my letter would be empty.