top of page

RECOMMENDATION LETTERS

If you’re thinking about asking me for a recommendation letter, please read this carefully before you reach out. A strong letter depends on two things: (1) whether I know your work well enough, and (2) whether you can provide the right materials in good time.

Choosing the right recommender 

A common misconception is that the rank or title of the recommender matters most. In reality, admissions and hiring committees care about substance: concrete, credible observations about your skills, achievements, and potential. You are always better served by someone who knows your work well and can describe it in depth than by someone more “senior” who can only speak in generalities. A specific, evidence-based letter beats a prestigious-but-generic one every time.

​

Will I write you a letter?

 

There are three possibilities:

 

  1. Yes, without hesitation.

    • You’ve taken at least one of my courses and earned a final grade of 7.0 or higher. If you’ve been my research assistant. 

  2. Yes, if you can show improvement.

    • Your final grade was 6.0–6.9, and you can demonstrate marked progress across the term (e.g., upward trend in assessments).

  3. No.

    • You have not taken a course with me or worked under my supervision, or you do not meet the criteria above. A weak or generic letter is likely to hurt your application.

​

What I need from you (one email)

​

If you fit the criteria above and I agree to write for you, send a single email containing:

​

  1. A short, formal request (2–5 sentences) explaining what you’re applying for and why you’re asking me.

  2. Course details up front: which course you took with me, when (semester/year), and your final mark.

    • If your mark was 6.0–6.9, include a brief note or table showing improvement over the term.

  3. Programs & deadlines: a list of all institutions/programs, with deadlines and submission method(portal/email/link).

  4. Updated CV (PDF).

  5. One draft letter of intent/personal statement (PDF, max 2 pages) that represents your overall narrative.

  6. Bullet points (5–8) highlighting what you’d like me to emphasize:

    • your work in my course (papers, exams, participation, improvement);

    • skills/methods you used;

    • research or professional experiences and outcomes;

    • intellectual trajectory and growth.

​

Timing

​

  • Ask at least six weeks before your earliest deadline.

  • Send your full packet four weeks before the first due date.

  • One reminder is fine within the final 72 hours before a deadline if you haven’t seen confirmation.

​

Final notes

​

  • PDFs only, with clear file names (e.g., Surname_Name_CV.pdf).

  • Pre-fill my recommender details (name, title, department, email) on any forms before sending links.

  • If you’re unsure whether you qualify, you can ask—I’ll let you know promptly.

bottom of page