Instructions for Students Requesting Recommendations

If I have agreed to write a recommendation for you, please give me a folder or envelope containing:

a copy of your transcript (if I'm not your advisor and/or you have graduated),
a copy of your resume,
a copy of your personal statement (if applicable),
all necessary forms, and
addressed envelopes.

(I am happy to accept electronic copies of your transcript and personal statement. And if the form is an electronic form, please just include the web address for it.)

Furthermore, at least two weeks before the first letter is due, e-mail me (millsm@central.edu) your answers to the following questions (the more details, the better):

What is your name, year, and major?
If you're not a current student at Central, then what have you done since leaving Central? How have you liked the thing(s) you've done?
For what are you applying? (scholarship, graduate school, etc.)
List the programs to which you are applying, together with due dates.
How long have I known you, and what is my relationship(s) to you? (instructor, advisor, etc.) Have you graded or tutored for me? If so, for what class(es) and when?
For what class(es) have I had you, what final grade(s) did I assign you, and how did you distinguish yourself in my class(es)?
How would you describe yourself?
What are some of your academic accomplishments?
What are some of your nonacademic accomplishments?
What makes me particularly qualified to write a letter for you?
What would you want me to include or emphasize in my letter that you believe would help you? (e.g., personal characteristics, background, experience(s), activities, etc.)
What makes you particularly qualified for this position/honor/award?
What are your long term goals and will this position/honor/award help? If so, how?
Additional comments (participation in REU's or summer research; interesting jobs; hobbies; etc.)?

Please send me e-mail reminders or talk to me as deadlines approach, and feel free to chat with me about other ways you can make the letter writing process go as smoothly as possible for you and your letter writers. When I have completed and mailed your recommendation(s), I will send you an e-mail telling you this so you know it/they have been completed.

Thanks for your help!

Dr. Mills

(Thanks to Michael E. Orrison of Harvey Mudd College for the idea of this web page!)

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