Letter of Recommendation

If we have met and agreed that I will write a recommendation for you, please email me the following:

• an unofficial copy of your transcript,

• a copy of your personal statement (if applicable),

• a copy of your resume (if you have one), and

• all necessary forms

Furthermore, at least two weeks (and ideally four weeks) before the first letter is due, e-mail me your answers to the following questions (the more details the better):

1. What is your name, year, and major?

2. For what are you applying? (Scholarship, graduate school, etc.)

3. List the programs to which you are applying, together with due dates. Please be specific about how recommendations will be submitted.

4. How long have I known you, and what is my relationship(s) to you? (instructor, advisor, etc.)

5. For what class(es) have I had you, what final grade(s) did I assign you, and how did you distinguish yourself in my class(es)?

6. Please choose four adjectives that you think describe you well and provide a brief self-recommendation.

7. What are some of your academic accomplishments?

8. What are some of your nonacademic accomplishments (if any)?

9. What makes me particularly qualified to write a letter for you?

10. What makes you particularly qualified for this position/honor/award?

11. What are your long term goals?

12. Additional comments (REU's, summer research, interesting jobs, hobbies, etc.)?

13. Score each category for self evaluation below 

(1: Below Average (lower 50%), 2: Good (21-50%), 3: Excellent (6-20%), 4: Outstanding (upper 5%), 5: Truly Exceptional (highest 1%)). 

• Written and verbal communication skills

• creativity

• Intellectual ability

• Research ability

• Understanding of the fundamentals of Statistics

• Critical thinking

• Motivation and initiative

• Maturity

• Integrity

• Ability to overcome obstacles

• Ability to interact well with others

• Time management

• Self discipline/Focus

• Overall scholarly ability

Before asking for my letter I request that you commit to follow all guidelines and requirements for your program as your participation reflects more broadly on me and University of Missouri.

Please be sure to send me e-mail reminders as deadlines approach, and feel free to chat with me about other ways you can make the letter writing process go as smoothly as possible for you and your letter writers. Good luck!

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Last modified February 1, 2024

Derived from a similar page created by Dr. Nicholas Horton (Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Amherst College)