If I have agreed to write a recommendation for
you, please send me an email, or give me a folder, containing:
- a copy of your transcript (doesn't need to be official);
- a copy of your personal statement (or an explanation of what
you are applying for);
- all necessary forms (some places want a letter on a
particular form);
- addressed envelopes without stamps, if the letter must be
snail mailed.
Furthermore, at least two weeks before the first letter is due,
e-mail me ("kevin.obryant at csi dot cuny dot edu") your answers
to some of the following questions. The more details the better.
You should pick the questions you find reasonable, and
include
the question immediately prior to your answer.
- What is your name, year, and major?
- For what are you applying? (scholarship, grad school, job,
etc)
- List the programs to which you are applying, together with
due dates.
- How long have I known you, and what is my relationship to
you? (instructor, advisor, etc)
- For what classes have I had you, and what final grades did I
assign you, and how did you distinguish yourself in my class?
- 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 makes you particularly qualified for this
position/honor/award/job?
- What are your long term goals and will this
position/honor/award/job help? If so, how?
- Additional comments (research, interesting jobs, hobbies,
etc)?
Please send me e-mail reminders as deadlines approach (it's not
rude, it's helpful), 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
your letter, I will send you an email saying as much using the
past tense. If you haven't received that email, then I haven't
completed your letter. Good luck!
Kevin O'Bryant
Professor of Mathematics
Department of Mathematics
City University of New York
The College of Staten Island
The Graduate Center
Acknowledgement: this page is adapted from one
written by Michael
Orrison.
