tips on letters of recommendation

You are going to need letters of recommendation throughout your academic career to apply to graduate schools and ultimately for career placement. It makes sense to prepare in advance which professors you want to request letters of recommendation from. It is very difficult for professors to write effective letters of recommendation on behalf of students they don't know well--or can't remember at all. It's a good idea to get to know your professors so that they will remember you. You do that by taking courses from them and participating in class. It makes good sense to seek out faculty members as mentors in your field of study in preparation of your chosen profession. Visit faculty during their office hours and discuss your plans and career goals with them and ask for their advice.

When you request a letter of recommendation, furnish the professor with the following:

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	Tips on Letters of Recommendation
	You are going to need letters of recommendation throughout your academic career to apply to graduate schools and ultimately for career placement. It makes sense to prepare in advance which professors you want to request letters of recommendation from. It is very difficult for professors to write effective letters of recommendation on behalf of students they don't know well--or can't remember at all. It's a good idea to get to know your professors so that they will remember you. You do that by taking courses from them and participating in class. It makes good sense to seek out faculty members as mentors in your field of study in preparation of your chosen profession. Visit faculty during their office hours and discuss your plans and career goals with them and ask for their advice. When you request a letter of recommendation, furnish the professor with the following: a copy of your resume or vita your overall GPA a list of courses you've taken from that professor, the semesters you took the courses, and the grades you've received in them copies of any term papers or blue books from those courses a copy of your Personal Statement fill out the Recommendation Form as much as you can to save the professor time if the form asks you to waive your right to see the letter, be sure to fill that out as well. The letter of recommendation does not carry much weight if the student has not waived their right to see it. The assumption is that the professor will not be objective in evaluating the student. be sure to include stamped, addressed envelopes. Don't expect the professors to pay for the postage. include deadline dates for the letters. BACK
	If you have any questions, please contact the Graduate Coordinator, Nancy Smith: nansmith@ag.arizona.edu The Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics, The University of Arizona http://ag.arizona.edu/arec-graduates/application_forms/letter_of_recommendation.html Revised 3/8/06