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If I have agreed to write you a letter of recommendation, there are several things that will be help me write a stronger letter:

1. Remind me of any contact we've had. This would include any projects you've worked on with me, any supervision or mentoring, and any classes you've had from me. Be sure to include the semester in which the contact occurred and what grade you earned.
2. Provide me any information related to your academic credentials, such as your GPA, GRE scores, your minor or concentration (if any), other schools you've attended, etc.
3. Give me any information that will be potentially useful in making the case that you are a good candidate. This would include relevant work experience, volunteer work related to psychology, projects you've worked on with other professors, etc. It's better to err on the side of giving more than is needed than the reverse.

Be sure to include in the material you give me, the proper forms with all relevant information filled out by you, including your signature, if required. Also make sure the deadline for each school is very clear. If you are applying to several schools, a master list with due dates and what material needs to be sent (e.g., just a letter, just a form, both, etc.) may be helpful.

Many students request a letter of recommendation from me. I generally complete them in the order I was asked. If you would like to check with me just prior to the due date, that would be fine. An email just reminding me you have a letter due the following week would suffice.

Good luck!

Last updated: 08/25/2006