Letters of Recommendation and Graduate School Advice
If you need a letter of recommendation from me, please follow
these seven steps:
First, contact me by email, phone, or in person as soon as possible. Tell me exactly about the purpose of your letter. You can find my contact information on my official Bowdoin College web page.
Second, give me least two (2) weeks (preferably a month) in advance of any deadline so I can write a strong letter. Please note that I write letters ONLY for graduate or professional school applications, academic awards and fellowships, study away programs, pre-professional or academic internships, and post-graduate jobs. In general, I do NOT write letters for general summer jobs, camp counselor positions, etc. although I am happy to serve as a reference provided that you check with me first.
Third, tell me the purpose of your letter (internship, scholarship, graduate school, job application, etc.), your goals or motivations, and what you want from me as a recommender.
Fourth, include a short résumé or curriculum vitæ detailing your academic and extra-curricular activities, work experience, study abroad courses, etc. so I can add these details, if relevant, to my letter.
Fifth, include any forms (filled out in advance, please) and other material that you think might be helpful (personal statement, unofficial transcript, statement of purpose) to me before I write your letter. Also, please give me a self-addressed stamped envelope if I need to send the recommendation for you. One important suggestion: if you have the option to waive access to your letter, you should do so. Confidential letters carry more weight, and I will not agree to write a letter for any student that I cannot support.
Sixth, you should consider if you also need a general letter of recommendation. As of 1 July 2003, all credential file services, except for seniors pursuing teacher certification, will be managed by Interfolio. If you need to establish a credential file, contact the college's Career Planning Center for details. Realize that general letters come with certain advantages (you can use them indefinitely, or if I'm unavailable to write you another letter) and disadvantages (personalized letters can be more convincing), so plan accordingly.
Finally, if you need future letters, give me enough advance warning so I can tailor the copy I already have on hand for your needs.
Best of luck and keep in touch!
Advice for prospective graduate school applicants
Attending graduate school in any field is an exciting yet daunting decision, regardless of what degree you pursue. It is not a choice to be made lightly. Unlike college, graduate school is a full-time job; you are training to enter a competitive, specialized profession. It is no different in this sense than attending law, business, or medical school.
If you are considering graduate school, I urge you to read any one of the wonderful guidebooks listed below. I've found the Peters book to be especially useful.
(All but one of the links take you to Powell's, the world-famous independent bookstore in Portland, Oregon. If you purchase from Powell's, consider visiting the ILWU Local 5 Powell's Workers Portal, where 10% of your purchase be will paid directly to Powell's workers through the store's unique profit-sharing agreement.)
Melanie S. Gustafson, Becoming a Historian: A Survival Manual--2003 Edition (Washington, D.C.: American Historical Association, 2003). Purchase on-line by visiting American Historical Association Publications.
Julie Degalan, Great Jobs for Environmental Studies Majors (New York: McGraw-Hill, 2002).