Requesting a Letter

Writing letters for students I've taught and worked with is one of my favorite parts of this job. A strong letter is specific, and specifics come from you. This page explains what to send and when, so I can tell your story well.

On sabbatical in 2026–27. I'm still writing letters for former students this year, but my replies are slower than usual, so please give me at least 4 weeks' notice before your first deadline.

How it works

1

Ask first

Email me to ask whether I can write you a strong letter. I write the best letters for students I've worked with closely, in a class, as a grutor, or in HEATlab. If I don't think I'm the right writer, I'll say so.

2

Send one email

Once I've said yes, send everything together, at least 4 weeks before your first deadline:

  • Your answers to the questions below
  • Your CV or résumé
  • Your transcript (unofficial is fine)
  • Your statement draft(s), if any

Use the subject “Letter request: Your Name” so it doesn't get lost. Start the email →

3

Remind me, then tell me!

Send a friendly reminder about a week before each deadline. Reminders are welcome, not pushy. And please let me know how it turns out. I love hearing the news, good or bad.

The questions

Copy these into your email and answer them. Bullet points are fine. More detail makes for a better letter, and it's fine to remind me of things you think I already know.

Copied

About you and what you're applying for

  1. Your name, graduation year, and major.
  2. The name and pronouns I should use in the letter. If your application uses a different name, please tell me that too.
  3. What are you applying for (graduate school, a fellowship, a job, a summer program)?
  4. For each place: the program name, the deadline, and how the letter is submitted (Interfolio, Common App, a university portal, Research.gov, email). Is there a recommender form, rating grid, specific prompt, or word limit? (A table is great.)
  5. What does each program say it evaluates? Link the selection criteria or job posting (e.g., NSF GRFP's Intellectual Merit and Broader Impacts).
  6. Did you waive your right to see the letter? (I recommend waiving: committees give confidential letters more weight.)

How we know each other

  1. When and how did we first meet, and in what roles have we worked together?
  2. Which of my courses did you take, and when? What grade did you earn, and what did you do that stood out (a project, a question, a moment you're proud of)?
  3. Have you grutored, done research, or worked on a project with me? Describe what you did.
  4. Three specific moments or stories I could tell about you. (Specific stories make the strongest letters.)

Your research and projects

  1. For any research or significant project: what was the motivation, when did you work on it, and what did you contribute?
  2. What was hard about it, and how did you handle it?
  3. What came of it: results, code, papers, posters, or talks?

Beyond the classroom

  1. Other academic or research accomplishments, awards, or honors.
  2. Activities outside academics: leadership, teaching, service, work, clubs, athletics.

Looking ahead

  1. What are your long-term goals, and how does this opportunity fit them?
  2. Why are you a strong fit? What should the committee know about you that isn't elsewhere in your application?
  3. How would you describe yourself in a few words?
  4. Who else is writing for you, and what will each of them speak to? (So my letter adds something new.)
  5. Optional: Is there context you'd like me to address, such as a difficult semester, a leave, or a change in direction? Or anything you'd prefer I not mention? (I'll only bring up personal circumstances you explicitly ask me to.)
  6. Is there anything specific you'd like me to emphasize, or anything else I should know?
  7. May I keep your answers on file in case you need letters from me in the future?

With thanks to Prof. Donnelly in HMC Physics, whose letter request page inspired this one, and to Profs. Orrison and de Pillis, whose model it was built on.