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Requesting a Letter of Recommendation
I am happy to write you a letter of recommendation.
First, consider who you want to write you a letter of recommendation. These people should be:
 familiar with you and your achievements
 willing to write the letter
 someone whose experience, skills, or position can make your application attractive
 when considered with the other references, able to emphasize the depth and breadth of your experiences, skills and attitudes.
If I fit that bill, then read on!
Procedure for requesting a letter of recommendation:
Let me know far in advance! Allow me enough time to devote a significant amount of effort to writing your letter. I'd say one month (4 weeks) is sufficient. Of course, if there's a need to get it done faster, I will do so - just tell me.
Give me a deadline - write it down.
Provide me with a resume, or a least a listing of your experiences, jobs, achievements and awards, special skills, etc.
Provide me with a transcript from the Guidance office.
Give me a brief description of the school or program for which you are applying (brochure, website address, etc.), as well as some explanation (either verbally or in writing) as to why you want to apply there. This explanation will help me to cater your letter to the particular school/program.
Provide me with the necessary forms to fill out, including mailing addresses of the schools/programs.
Provide me with stamped, addressed envelopes - so that all I have to do is write the letter or fill out the forms, put them in the appropriate envelopes, and drop them in the mail. The return address should read:
Dr. Weiselberg
Irvington High School
40 N. Broadway
Irvington, NY 10533
If possible, chat with me for a few minutes so that I can get a better sense of what to put in the letter.
Follow up before the deadline to make sure I've mailed the letter.
Finally, let me know what happens and what you decide! Your experience will also prove beneficial to others.
Good luck!
 Dr. W
Checklist:
_____ ask Dr. W in advance
_____ written deadline
_____ resume
_____ transcript
_____ school/program description
_____ forms
_____ envelopes, with return address, mailing address and proper postage
_____ brief chat/interview
_____ follow up - has Dr. W written and mailed the letter?
_____ let Dr. W know what happened and what you decided
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