Sample Letters
- Set of useful and amusing sample letters of rec. The “mixed” letter of rec is particularly difficult to write. This one does a good job of honestly discussing a student's weakness while remaining positive about their future performance.
- Here are a few additional real sample letters of recommendation provided by GSIs:
General Advice
We need em' and so do they. There are two ways to write letters or recommendation. First, you can independently write a letter of recommendation for students. If so, you'll want to print the final copy on department letterhead! We're not supposed to have electronic copies of the Department letterhead, so get some from Carolyn.
Second, you can write a letter that the professor will ultimately sign. I (Kristen) personally recommend this! Even if students come in asking for a letter from you alone, I feel it's best to urge them to ask the professor and have you collaborate with the professor to write a letter. If you are writing a letter that will eventually need to be signed by the professor, remember to ask how long they will need to sign it. Some professors would like 2 weeks.
Also, professors have very different ways of doing the recommendations, so it's a good idea to ask. Some want you to have a first go but then they complete the rest. Others would like you to write the whole letter and they just sign.
For some letters (e.g. summer programs, minor grants, study abroad) it is fine for you to write and sign the letter. But again, ask to double check.
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