3. ASK PERSONALLY
When asking someone
to write you a letter of rec,
don't simply send an email or
leave a voicemail message. It's
to your advantage to ask the
person face-to-face; not only
does this allow you to clarify
any doubts about the request,
it automatically conveys to the
recommendation writer just how
important this letter is to you.
4. VOLUNTEER
INFORMATION ABOUT YOURSELF
AND YOUR PLANS
About yourself.
Many instructors and supervisors
deal with dozens of recommendation
requests every year. Even if
you are a stellar student or
employee, they might not remember
that smashingly astute comment
you made on Kant's Categorical
Imperative back in March, or
the speed with which you smoothened
loan negotiations during that
Korea project. Along with the
letter of recommendation form
and materials (see below), include
a vivid reminder of your past
accomplishments, particularly
those with which your instructor
or supervisor is already familiar.
You might include a resume, a
pared-down version of your personal
statement, and/or a relevant
writing sample (preferably one
written for that particular instructor,
and one which earned you a high
grade or evaluation).
About Your Plans.
If you intend to study agronomy
and your instructor is under
the impression you are planning
on pursuing astronomy, your admissions
readers might end up with either
a hysterical or quizzical letter
of recommendation. Make sure
that your letter of recommendation
writer is aware of your plans,
even if they seem hazy to you
at this point. State your plans
clearly: "Mr. Guzman, I
am applying to Colby College." "Prof.
Leary, I am applying to the PhD
program in biochemistry at the
University of Iowa." "Hank,
I am applying to the Information
Technology track of ISU's MBA
program." Write down your
plans somewhere; that way, Mr.
Guzman, Prof. Leary, and Hank
won't get confused.
Again, handing in
a concise outline or summary
of your personal statement is
not a bad idea, especially if
you focus on your achievements
in that instructor's class or
under his/her supervision. Also
consider giving your instructor
or supervisor a copy of your
resume, which should remind him/her
that you are an individual with
both focus and broad interests. |
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