Dr Eastman, Will You Write Me A Letter of Recommendation?
I’m generally happy to write letters for students, but I won’t write a letter for you unless I know you. This doesn’t necessarily mean that I got to know you very well (unless I’m writing a letter for grad school), but in my letter I need to be able to speak of qualities you possess that indicate you may have what it takes to succeed in the program or work you’re pursuing. Earning an A in a class of 300 people is truly commendable, but unless you want me to rely on the words of the TA, please get to know me during the semester.
In addition, you should honestly feel that I will say positive things about you. Ideally you have indicated that you are an intelligent and mature individual who is serious about your education; you should not have been chronically absent in class. You don’t need to get an A for me to write you a letter; I’ve written letters for people who earned Cs in my classes—I don’t care about your grade if you can convince me that you’re a good candidate for this program. Most of all, please don’t ask me to write a letter unless you meet the requirements of the program you’re applying to—for example, if you have a GPA of 2.7 and the program requires a 3.5.
If I agree to write a letter for you, you can be assured that it will be a good one. I’ll be quite honest if I don’t feel I can write you a good letter.
I require the following:
1. Preferably 2 weeks’ notice before the deadline (make the deadline clear to me). PLEASE keep in mind that my schedule can get very busy, and letter-writing takes time.
2. A resume with a phone number where I can reach you if I need to, plus your GPA and graduate-level test score (GRE, LSAT, MCAT, etc) if required.
3. A draft of your personal statement, cover letter, etc. (this can be draft-y; I just need to know how you’re describing yourself and your interests in the program).
4. All recommendation forms filled out and signed if necessary.
5. Preferably a mailing label with the address filled out so I can stick it on one of my envelopes.
6. A note that tells me some of the following information:
   • What do you think that you will do as a result of this program?
   • What grade(s) did you get in my class(es)?
   • What can I put in your letter that will make you stand out from the crowd?
   • Do you work extensively outside school to support yourself?
   • Are there any ways in which your student "career" has been unusual?
If possible, give me these materials in ONE packet. Remember, the more you can tell me about yourself, the better a letter I can write.
Information about me (you may need it to fill out forms):
Name:    Dr Carolyn Eastman
Position:    Assistant Professor of History
Address:    Department of History
   University of Texas
   1 University Station, B7000
   Austin, TX 78712
Tel:    (512) 475-7262
Fax:    (512) 475-7222
Email:    ceastman@mail.utexas.edu