Whenever possible, you should allow your professor one month for the letter of recommendation to be provided.

Type or email  the request and include the following:

- It's always a good idea to let the professor know what areas you would like highlighted in the letter.  Although no professor can promise to oblige, it's important to communicate your request.

- a current resume - if you don't have one, you should prepare one!

- Ask the professor to include your social security number on the letter (provide your social security number!)

- Include your full name, address, phone(s) and email address.

- Include the contact name, organization, and full address.

- If you are requesting a letter in support of a scholarship, be sure to include a full description of what the goals of the funding organization are, and the full name of the scholarship.  If there is a form to be filled out by the professor, be sure to attach that form to your request and have completed all of the pertinent information on the form.

- If you requesting a letter in support of a graduate studies program, be sure to include a full description of the study program you will be applying to.  If the application materials include a description of what they are looking for in the letters of recommendation, be sure to provide that information to the professor.  Many times graduate schools will include a cover sheet or form to be included with the letter.  If so, be sure to attach that form to the request so that the professor can include it in the sealed envelope.  Please have all pertinent information completed on all forms.  Be sure to ask the professor to sign the envelope flap after it is sealed.

- If you are requesting a letter for employment purposes, be sure to include a full job description.

- Provide a list of courses taken from this professor - include the semester and year that you took the course(s), and the grade(s) you received.

- Remind the professor of the projects and/or papers you prepared for the class that were outstanding.  Include some of the discussion you had with your professor regarding your work in order to assist  the professor in recalling the particular assignment or discussion. 

- Include a list of honors or scholarships you received and why you received them. This is not a time to be humble or shy about your accomplishments!! 

- Include anything that may help the professor write a letter that addresses the concerns or needs of the organization.

- Ask the professor if there is any additional information that is needed in order to complete the request. 

- BE VERY CLEAR TO THE PROFESSOR AS TO THE DUE DATE OF THE LETTER, AND WHETHER IT WILL BE PICKED UP BY YOU OR MAILED DIRECTLY TO THE ORGANIZATION.

CHECKLIST:

- Current Resume
- Social Security Number
- Full name, address, phone(s), and email address
- The CONTACT NAME, organization, and full address
- Description of position, scholarship, or area of study to which you are applying
- List of courses taken from the professor - include the semester/year and grade
- Provide information regarding discussions pertinent to your work in the class(es)
- List honors and accomplishments
- DEADLINE DATE!