I am happy to write you a recommendation! Well, assuming you are/were a student or we have some other relationship. The first thing you should do is ask me.
I have a standard set of things I ask for, so I’m writing them down here so that you can know what to expect and so I can point students to a consistent list. There’s also a wide range of goals for the recommendations (from being a UIA to an REU to acceptance to grad school), and the instructions tend to the more involved side. The more information I have, the better letter I can write, but I might not really need all of the information.
Once I agree to write you a letter the first things you should do:
1. An email with a list of all the programs you want a recommendation for, with due dates, in order
2. Set a calendar reminder a week out from the first due date to start sending me daily reminders about the letters until I tell you I’ve submitted it
This is really important to keep me organized and help me remember this very important thing for you. I’ve had professors forget about reference deadlines and it’s not fun, so I want to avoid doing that to you. You are of course free (and encouraged!) to add more programs that you want, but always send an updated list of programs that contains ALL of the programs.
You should also send me an email (can be the same one) with as much information and materials as you have for the application, including
1. description of how we know each other: classes taught, etc. (often unnecessary unless it has been a while)
2. (unofficial) transcript
3. CV or brief resume
4. your personal statement for the application (draft is fine) and any other materials included in the application
5. any highlights of your accomplishments or other things you want me to be sure to mention in the letter
I’m also happy to set up a time (in person or on Zoom) to meet and chat about your application and the letter. Send me an email to set this up (wb1011@txstate.edu).