Request for Letter of Recommendation Form

• If I know you well, I will write an accurate and detailed letter concerning your class performance, scientific skills, maturity, promise in chosen career field, etc.  The best way for me to learn useful things about you is for you to attend office hours (frequently!) and introduce yourself.

• If I do not know you well, the best I can do is write a brief description of the nature of the course with your grade and in the class.

• I cannot interview you or read your personal statement for the letter. This is because a letter of recommendation is based on what I know about you, not about what you choose to tell me to include in the letter.

• For me to comment on your personal statement does little good, as the admissions committee will read the statement as well.

• I will not provide you with a copy of the letter in any form. This would violate the confidentiality that makes these letters useful.  If the letter is to be included in an application package, have everything else completed first (including postage), then I will add my letter and mail the package.

• You must sign any confidentiality waivers (including the PAO form if relevant) and give me a copy before I will submit any letter.  In the rare instance the application process does not have a waiver of confidentiality form, I will add a comment to the letter stating it to be confidential, and that if the student is allowed to read the letter then the letter is automatically withdrawn.  Because of certain disagreeable circumstances at other universities, I cannot write a letter unless you waive future access.

• Please allow as much time as possible for me to write the letter. It might take several weeks for me to get to it. If you ask me to write the letter just a few days before it is due, I may make comments concerning your organizational skills.

• If you are requesting more than four letters, please use the UCLA Pre-Professional Service Office's letter of recommendation service.
  

• You may want to have a TA write a few lines for me to consider placing in the letter. You are responsible for asking the TA to provide the information, and for reminding the TA to get the information to me.

• Pre-addressed, stamped envelopes are appreciated!  Stamps are not necessary for letters sent by campus mail, for example to the Career Center.

Please use this form to provide information I need to write your letter.  Submit the completed form simultaneously with all of the other necessary paperwork.

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