Dear Student,
If you have never interacted with me in office hours or in my lab, I may re-direct you to contact other faculty to write you a letter of recommendation. I try very hard to write personal letters of recommendations for students I know well and have had interactions with in class or in the lab.
I would prefer that you not ask me for a letter in an email, especially if you do not know me. Instesad, please set up a meeting with me so that we can discuss your interest in graduate school.
If you would like to schedule an appointment with me about a letter of recommendation, you do not need to email me about it. Please just look on Microsoft Bookings and schedule a time that is convenient for you and me. If you can’t find a time that works for you, please message me on Slack (not email) to coordinate something.
If you have worked in my lab or regularly attend(ed) office hours and would like a letter of recommendation, please follow these steps once I have agreed to write you a letter:
1. Send me (email) reminders: 2 weeks before, 1 week before, 2 days before, and the day the letter is due (or until you have received notification that your letter has been submitted)
2. Where am I sending the letter? If you are applying to any system outside of CSDCAS, please send me an google sheets document with your list of schools. You must include this spreadsheet in your reminder emails.
3. Highlights: If there is anything you would like me to highlight in your letter (e.g., extracurriculars, strengths in light of potential weaknesses, or interests in research), please let me know in your reminder emails
Finally, you all are amazing students and I want to make sure I can write strong letters for you. So, please get to know me! And help me stay on top of everything!
Good luck!
Jenny