I have a professor that's agreed to write me a letter, but he wants "any information that will make the whole process easier", but I have no idea what sort of information I'm supposed to give him. I also heard a lot of professors have generic letters that they send out, since they get requests so often. Is this true?
What sort of information does a professor need to write a refernce letter?
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-CV/Resume
-List of any classes you took with them, dates completed, and grade
-Short description of where you are looking, and the model of the program (Scientist-Practioner, etc)
-A few sentences about what you are looking for them to highlight....which they may or may not talk about in their letter
-List of any classes you took with them, dates completed, and grade
-Short description of where you are looking, and the model of the program (Scientist-Practioner, etc)
-A few sentences about what you are looking for them to highlight....which they may or may not talk about in their letter
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I've also sent a personal statement, so they know my professional goals. I actually have an "info sheet" for each school that talks about their philosophy/model, and if they say anything about what they're looking for in an applicant.
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Give him your CV (including details on your research experience and any relevant clinical experience you may have). Also give him either a copy of your transcript or a typed document with grades in all your university courses. If he hasn't seen much of your writing, you could give him a short writing sample. If you're far enough along that you have a draft of your personal statement, give him that too so he can address your interests in his letter. Having your statement of purpose will allow him to integrate your past experience with your future goals, which can be a plus. (e.g., "Student X wrote an excellent honours thesis on theory of mind in preschool-aged children under my supervision. As her statement of interest mentions, Student X is interested in pursuing research on the specific cognitive deficits involved in autism spectrum disorders. Her excellent research skills and familiarity in conducting research with children will be a strong advantage in her graduate work.")
You DO NOT want a generic letter. That kind of letter would likely get your application tossed at most Ph.D. programs.
You DO NOT want a generic letter. That kind of letter would likely get your application tossed at most Ph.D. programs.
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In addition to what everyone mentioned above, one of mine wants a copy of GRE scores
Many professors will send out generic letters. They are usually reserved for the "I took your class last year and got an A but this is the first time we've spoken outside of class" kind of letter request. You don't want those.
All of my letter writers got a binder with:
1) A table consisting of a list of schools, addresses, POIs, whether there were supplemental materials they wanted in addition to the letter, the dates the letters should go out (earlier than actual due dates), and what should be done with the letters (sealed and given to me, mailed directly, submitted online).
2) CV
3) Transcript, GREs
4) Drafts of personal statements for all schools
5) A brief description of my duties and activities in their lab (all of my letters were people I did research with).
Also printed out all supplemental materials for them, and gave them stamped and addressed envelopes. Didn't bother including anything on the type of program - I'd spoken with all of them extensively about it and they knew I was looking for intensive research programs (I think there were only 3-4scientist-practitioner models on my list of 15, and the rest were clinical science models) and even if they didn't remember it was fairly obvious from looking at the list of schools. If you haven't spoken with them directly about it or you are applying to a broader range, then its probably worthwhile to include that.
Probably overkill, but if there is ever a time to suck up and put on a good show, its when you are asking someone for a letter of recommendation.
All of my letter writers got a binder with:
1) A table consisting of a list of schools, addresses, POIs, whether there were supplemental materials they wanted in addition to the letter, the dates the letters should go out (earlier than actual due dates), and what should be done with the letters (sealed and given to me, mailed directly, submitted online).
2) CV
3) Transcript, GREs
4) Drafts of personal statements for all schools
5) A brief description of my duties and activities in their lab (all of my letters were people I did research with).
Also printed out all supplemental materials for them, and gave them stamped and addressed envelopes. Didn't bother including anything on the type of program - I'd spoken with all of them extensively about it and they knew I was looking for intensive research programs (I think there were only 3-4scientist-practitioner models on my list of 15, and the rest were clinical science models) and even if they didn't remember it was fairly obvious from looking at the list of schools. If you haven't spoken with them directly about it or you are applying to a broader range, then its probably worthwhile to include that.
Probably overkill, but if there is ever a time to suck up and put on a good show, its when you are asking someone for a letter of recommendation.
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