Letters of Recommendation
I can only write a strong letter when I know your work well. The rules below say who I write for, what I write for, and how to ask.
Who gets a letter
Yes
- MA and PhD students who have taken a course with me or worked for me.
- Undergraduates who have worked for me in the Khazra Research Lab (K.R.L.), at the Economics Study Centre (ESC), or as my TA.
- Undergraduates I have worked closely with on their research, where I remember you and your work.
Yes, if I have room
- Undergraduates who have taken two courses with me and earned an A+ in both. I write a limited number of letters each cycle. If I am fully booked I will say so right away, so you can ask someone else.
No
- Anyone I do not remember, or whose work I do not remember. This includes students who did well in one course but never interacted with me beyond that. I cannot write a strong letter in this case, and a weak letter does more harm than none.
- Students currently taking their first course with me. Ask after the term ends and grades are in.
A note on grades
Grades are not the main thing. If your grade in my course was not at the top but you worked closely with me — in class, on your research, or in some other capacity — your chances are much higher than those of a student with an A+ I do not know.
What I write letters for
Letters are for jobs and graduate school.
I do not write letters for RA positions or internships. The one exception: an RA position or internship at a top-five university or company, where the opportunity justifies the time. If you think your case qualifies, say so in your request.
Deadline
Submit your request at least three weeks before your earliest deadline. I decline requests with less notice. If you are applying to several programs, send one request with the full list of deadlines; do not send a new request for each one.
How to request a letter
- Fill out the request form.
- Email me to let me know you have submitted the form. Use the subject line "Letter request – [your name]".
- Follow up. If you have not heard from me within a week, email again. I will tell you whether I can write the letter. Do not list me as a reference until I have said yes.
- Remind me three days before each deadline. A short email is enough.