Information for students seeking letters of recommendation
I want to be able to write the strongest, most informed letter of recommendation possible. I, therefore, need students seeking letters of all kinds (for graduate school, study abroad programs, residence life, jobs, internships, honor societies, etc.) to prepare a Recommendation Request Form that includes pertinent information about your background, grades, honors, and interests. You should also consult this webpage regarding advice on letters of recommendation: Advice from the Social Psychology network.
You should provide me a single email containing all the information needed. This makes a good impression and makes the job easier for me in writing the initial letter. Once I have received your initial package of information, you can send me additional emails with new schools/places that need my letter.
Writing good letters of recommendation takes time. Be sure to give me your materials at least 2 weeks before the first letter of recommendation is due. Finally, waive your rights to read the letter or form. Recipients place more credence on letters that are not read by students. If you are in doubt about the kind of recommendation the referee will write, ask.
Help writing a strong personal statement for graduate school
The personal statement is really a letter of intent or statement of purpose. Be careful to get the tone right and supply only information that will improve your chances of getting into graduate school. The letter of intent needs to be perfectly crafted and written, and you will need to write many drafts before it is acceptable.
See here for excellent advice about writing personal statements:
PSU Writing Personal Statements. Also based on a study of professors admitting students into graduate school in psychology (Appleby and Appleby, 2006) here is a list of what NOT to write in your personal statement: Kiss of Death