Download Requesting a Letter of Recommendation - Independent Research - Lab | PSYC 191 and more Lab Reports Psychology in PDF only on Docsity! Requesting a Letter of Recommendation If you are requesting a letter of recommendation from me, I suggest the following. You will have a better chance of getting a good letter from me if you fall into one of the following categories: (a) I can comment on your academic skills in more than once context (e.g., you were a student in my class and worked in my research lab either as a volunteer or a Psyc191) (b) You have worked in my research lab for more than one semester and did outstanding work (e.g., doing exemplary work, going above and beyond what was expected of you, taking initiative, obtaining a good grade with me through Psyc 191) (c) You were in the top 5% of students in one of my smaller classes (i.e., receiving an A in the course, actively participating in class) (d) You were in the top 10% of students in one of my smaller classes (e.g., at least an A- but you were an active participant in the class, came to see me in office hours). Falling into categories (a) or (b) will most likely result in the strongest letter because I will have more specific things to say about you. Falling into categories (c) or (d) may result in a positive letter, but it will be more vague in terms of your strengths and abilities because I simply do not know you as well and have not worked with you as closely. If you do not fall into at least one of the above categories, I may still consider writing the letter, but you would hopefully have letters from professors who know you better and can comment more specifically on your strengths and abilities. Thus, although the letter I write may be generally positive, it will not be the type of letter that will be of great benefit to you in terms of getting into graduate school. Supporting Documents and Materials If I do agree to write you a letter for graduate school, I require the following: 1. Face-to-Face Meeting We will discuss your goals (short-term and long-term) and I will get more information about what types of positions/programs/fellowships you’re applying for. 2. Preparatory Materials You should bring the following to this meeting and/or email the following to me no later than 6 weeks before items must be mailed: A summary of how long I have known you and in what contexts and a list of things about your performance that you think that I should highlight (you can provide a copy of paper you wrote for me, if appropriate) A resume or curriculum vitae,
