Algorithm for receiving letters of recommendation
You will find the algorithm that I would like you to follow if I am writing a letter of recommendation for you below.
Input: (from you, the student, to be received by me greater than or equal to three weeks before the application deadline)
- The application deadline.
- A description of the position that you are applying for or the program that you are applying to. I'll need this so I can determine what issues to address in the letter. Either give me a hardcopy with information or a URL.
- A brief resume which includes information about courses which you have taken that might be relevant to the application. (Please include the grades that you received for these courses.)
- If your application requires a personal statement, it would be very helpful for me to have a rough draft. This will help me to get a sense of why you are applying and what you hope to get out of the opportunity.
- Either an addressed and stamped envelope if I need to send a hardcopy
or instructions for electronic submission. (If you give me an
envelope, peel off seals are highly appreciated.)
My output: Once I receive the information above, I will write a
letter. I
will send you an email when the letter gets sent.
Error check: If you do not hear
from me by one week before the deadline, then you should send me a
reminder email like the one below:
Hi,
You asked me to remind you about the letter that you are writing for my application to NAME OF YOUR PROGRAM if I hadn't heard from you a week before the application is due. The deadline is APPLICATION DEADLINE.
Thanks,
YOUR NAME