Letters of Recommendation

If you would like me to write letters of recommendation for you, please provide me with the information below. Much of this can be sent to me via email, but we should also talk in person about your plans.

• A single list of where you want the letter(s) sent, including your name, the name of the institution(s), the address, and the deadline.    If you are asking for multiple letters, please try to ask for them all at once.
• A statement of purpose. This can be a copy of your cover letter, an excerpt from your application, or just a short paragraph describing your goals. Feel free to include extra information, such as a copy of your résumé.
• A statement waiving access to the letters (email is fine).
  Most faculty, including me, tend to write stronger letters if access is waived.
• Any forms I am supposed to fill out or include.
  Please provide hard copy. Fill out as much information as you can, including information about me. You should be able to find what you need on my homepage; my job title is Professor of Mathematics.
• Remind me what course(s) you took from me, and when.
• Any extra information you think might be helpful.    For suggestions, look here.
• It is helpful but not necessary to give me address labels with the addresses written on them.
  There is no need to give me envelopes or stamps.

For both professional and personal reasons, I am strongly opposed to online submission of references. Please avoid this option if at all possible. I expect you to inquire about alternatives even when none are listed, as many schools will in fact accept PDF attachments via email (to which I have no objection) despite their stated policy to the contrary.

Some institutions request that applicants return their recommendations in sealed envelopes along with their applications. I prefer to send them directly. While I have never known this to cause problems, it is your responsibility to double-check.

Also, be warned that I routinely leave blank most multiple-choice questions; such questions lend themselves to an inappropriately cursory examination of your application, while providing minimal information. I put considerable time into each letter I write, and I expect people to read them. I do not believe that this omission adversely affects your application, but can not promise this.