Letters of Recommendation
from Dr. Sheri Berenbaum

I will write letters of recommendation for students who have (a) worked in my lab for at least 2 semesters or (b) been in one of my classes and who I have gotten to know well in that context. Keep in mind that a letter of recommendation will only be useful to you if it contains details about your abilities and performance – and I can only write such a letter if I know you well.

Here’s what you need to do if you want me to write a letter of recommendation for you:

(1) Ask me if I think that I know you well enough to write a letter for you. You can make it easier for me to judge this by completing the questionnaire (.pdf) below.

(2) If I agree to write a letter, make sure you give me: (a) a complete questionnaire (below), (b) your personal statement if you are applying to graduate school, (c) an unofficial copy of your transcripts, (d) your GRE scores, (e) any work that you completed in my lab or in my class, such as a paper you wrote for a lab discussion, or papers you completed for class with my comments and grades on them, (f) all recommendation forms in one packet, with addressed and stamped envelopes, and a clear indication of deadlines.

(3) Ask me to write a letter as soon as you think that you will need it. If at all possible, do this before you graduate. If you do not need the letter right now (e.g., you aren’t applying to graduate school immediately), I can hold on to it until you do need it. It will be easier to write on your behalf while I still have contact with you. I can then update the letter with new information or your new accomplishments. It is really difficult to write a letter for someone who I have not seen in a while.

(4) If you do not need the letter right now, stay in touch with me. Let me know what you are doing. This will make my letter current and make clear that I know you well enough to have an informed opinion.

Letter of Recommendation Questionnaire (.pdf)

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